Steven Gerrard destroys Michael Owen with brutal Man Utd dig

Steven Gerrard had the perfect response when asked by Michael Owen what it was like returning to Anfield as a former Liverpool player.

The Reds legend, 41, led Aston Villa against his old side on Saturday afternoon in what was his fifth game as manager of the Midlands club.

Villa gave a good account of themselves and kept their hosts at bay until the 67th minute, when Mohamed Salah converted a penalty he won moments earlier.

Gerrard was pleased with his team's performance despite falling to a 1-0 defeat, and he received a warm reception from the adoring home fans throughout the Premier League fixture.

It was a moving occasion for the former Liverpool captain, who left the club in 2015 after 26 years on their books.

Join the debate! Is Michael Owen a Liverpool hero despite playing for Man Utd? Have your say here.

Steven Gerrard was quizzed on what it was like returning to Anfield after the match ( Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

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Gerrard was quizzed on how he felt stepping back out of the famous tunnel once again by ex-teammate Owen after the match.

Speaking on DAZN, the former England striker, 41, asked: "[I'm] Just wondering - we've all played, we've all gone back to Anfield in different guises.

"I must admit I hated going back to play against Liverpool. What were your emotions like going back today? How does it feel taking a team to your home?"

Gerrard had a quick-witted response up his sleeve and declared: "If I played for Man U, I'd hate coming back too!"

The England hero's reply left the studio in stitches and it was well received by pitch-side interviewer Robbie Fowler, another Liverpool great.

Owen notoriously joined the Reds' arch rivals, Manchester United, on a free transfer from Newcastle in 2009 and spent three seasons at Old Trafford.

That is despite the fact he came through the academy ranks at Liverpool and went on to score 158 goals in 297 appearances for the club.

Owen would subsequently become a Reds ambassador after retiring from playing in 2013, but Gerrard was not about to let him forget his time with United.

Michael Owen spent three seasons with Manchester United despite his Liverpool allegiance ( Image: John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)

When pressed further for his thoughts on walking out at Anfield, the Villa boss said: "It was normal that there was going to be emotion, but I tried to deal with it in a professional way."

Meanwhile, Gerrard received glowing praise from counterpart Jurgen Klopp, who spoke encouragingly of his chances of becoming Liverpool manager in the future.

Up next for 12th-placed Villa is a trip to Norwich on Tuesday night, while Liverpool are next in action against Newcastle two days later as they look to close the gap on leaders Manchester City.