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ShareManchester: Michael Owen has joined Manchester United on a two-year contract, the Premier League champions said on their website on Friday. "Michael is a world class forward with a proven goal scoring record at the highest level and that has never been in question," said manager Alex Ferguson.
"Coming to Manchester United with the expectations that we have is something that Michael will relish," he added on www.manutd.com. The 29-year-old England striker was out of contract having left Newcastle United so no transfer fee is involved.
Earlier, It seemed the only clubs interested in signing the 29-year-old striker were Stoke and Hull -- both Premier League sides but teams for whom staying up was an achievement in itself.
Owen's weekly wage at Newcastle, for whom he scored 10 goals last season, was believed to be around 120,000 pounds but reports said he would take a substantial paycut to sign for a leading Premier League club.
Reports in British newspapers claimed that United boss Sir Alex Ferguson contacted Owen on Tuesday and offered him 50,000-pounds-a-week to join the champions --plus huge bonuses depending on appearances and goals.
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. But Owen's career could be rejuvenated by playing alongside the likes of England striker Wayne Rooney at Old Trafford.
Owen, however, must pass a stringent medical before United put pen to paper. A source close to Owen said: "This is just the boost he needed and now he is hoping that everything can be agreed."
United have yet to make a public comment about the proposed deal.
