Ferguson welcomes 'world-class' addition

London: Michael Owen completed his shock move to Manchester United on Friday night after being put through one of the most gruelling medical examinations in football history.

Determined to satisfy themselves that the injury-troubled 29 year old will not spend more time in the treatment room than in training, the English champions sent him for two days of tests.

But after United's medical team gave the green light last night, the deal was confirmed. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: "Michael is a world-class forward with a proven goal-scoring record at the highest level and that has never been in question. Coming to United with the expectations that we have is something Michael will relish."

Owen has agreed to the terms of a two-year deal, even taking a big cut in his basic wage from £110,000 a week to nearer £20,000.

The striker particularly wants to demonstrate to Fabio Capello that he can no longer be omitted from the England squad. After four difficult years at Newcastle, he has his heart set on boarding the plane to next summer's World Cup in South Africa.

Ferguson will see Owen as someone who could prove an effective partner in attack for Wayne Rooney, who has expressed a desire to be given a more central role now that Cristiano Ronaldo has moved to Real Madrid.