Man Utd confirm Owen deal

Friday, 03. July 2009 - Chris Punnakkattu Daniel

It is one of the shock transfers of the EPL: Manchester Utd has signed veteran star Michael Owen on a two-year contract.

The former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker was out of his reported £120,000-a-week contract at Newcastle. The 29-year-old arrived at United's Carrington training ground this morning, having undergone an assessment of his knee injury.

According to press reports, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is reportedly signed Owen on a pay-as-you-play deal.

Sir Alex Ferguson said to the official Man Utd website: "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."

Michael Owen said: "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 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."

The forward, who has scored 40 goals in 89 England appearances, has yet to persuade England coach Fabio Capello he has a future at international level.