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Owen signs for Man Utd

The out-of-sorts England striker has signed a two-year deal with the Premier League champions after completing a series of stringent medical tests this evening.

Owen has agreed a deal worth £50,000 a week - half of what he earned with previous club Newcastle.

But it is understood he will be given huge bonuses depending on appearances and the number of goals he scores.

Owen's Toon contract expired on July 1 with only Stoke and Hull expressing an interest in the 29-year-old.

But Old Trafford chief Alex Ferguson has made his move, convinced he can revive the former Liverpool star's fortunes.

Fergie said: "Michael is a world-class forward with a proven goalscoring record at the highest level and that has never been in question.

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

Owen revealed he did not hesitate to join the club once Ferguson came calling.

He said: "I had just begun to talk to other clubs when, out of the blue, Sir Alex phoned me on Wednesday afternoon and invited me to have breakfast with him the 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 at Carrington from day one.

"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."

Owen's shock switch caps a remarkable turnaround for the ex-Real Madrid hitman.

Having been relegated with Newcastle just six weeks ago, he faced an uncertain future with none of Europe's big guns showing an interest in him.

England boss Fabio Capello has continually snubbed him at international level. But, with the World Cup finals less than 12 months away, he could now force his way back into the reckoning if he succeeds at United.

The Old Trafford new-boy will battle it out for a starting berth with Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov. The Sun