Michael Owen has finalised his move to Manchester United and has signed a 2 year contract.

The former England striker had to undergo a series of stringent medical checks before putting pen to paper – an old knee injury was examined in London on Thursday before Owen underwent a full medical check up at a private Manchester Hospital.

He has been plagued by injuries in recent seasons, suffering with groin, ankle, thigh, hernia, metatarsal and knee ligament problems.

However, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was delighted that the deal had been done saying:

Michael is a world-class forward with a proven goalscoring record at the highest level.

Coming to Manchester United with the expectations that we have is something that Michael will relish.

Owen is the second big name signing of the summer by United and joins Antonio Valencia among the ranks of Old Trafford new boys. He admitted that the approach from United was a surprise saying:

I had just begun to talk to other clubs when out of the blue Sir Alex phoned me on Wednesday afternoon, invited me to have breakfast with him next morning during which he told me that he wanted to sign me.

I agreed without a moment’s thought. This is a fantastic opportunity for me and I intend to seize it with both hands.

I am now looking forward to being a Manchester United player and I am fortunate that I already know so many of the players here.

I missed pre-season last year and am pleased that I will be starting from day one.

I’d like to think that everyone was quite surprised with my medical.

I’ve obviously passed them before, and my fitness is high. A lot is made out of it but I certainly don’t feel like I’m injury prone.

I want to thank Sir Alex for the faith he has shown in me and I give him my assurance that I will repay him with my goals and performances.

It’s understood that Owen and Ferguson have agreed upon a pay-as-you-play deal with the striker also accepting less than the reported £110,000 per week he was on at Newcastle.

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