The former Liverpool, Real Madrid and England frontman completed a series of stringent medical tests and has signed a two-year deal with the Barclays Premier League champions.

Owen, 29, spent the day at United's Carrington training complex as the terms of his free transfer were thrashed out, after he lapsed out of contract with Newcastle United at the end of last month.

Stoke City and Hull City had both made public their desire to sign the striker but Owen jumped at the chance to join the champions as soon as he learned of their interest.

It will be an opportunity for him to re-launch his career after a disappointing campaign which ended in relegation with Newcastle.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson told the official club 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"

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