Owen signing for United the final insult for a player intent on pursuing his International career

Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen has signed a two year deal with Manchester United. This site was running the story on Thursday after bookmakers slashed their odds on the move amid claims that tentative talks had taken place.

Owen speaking about the move to the Telegraph 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 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 looking forward to being a Manchester United player. I want to thank Sir Alex for the faith he has shown in me and I give him my assurance I will repay him with goals and performances.”

The former Liverpool player is said to have undergone a series of medical tests before United were convinced of the players fitness. Owen passed a test on his problematic knee in London on Thursday, with further tests at Carrington on Friday morning. The striker then travelled to Bridgewater Hospital, in Manchester city centre, for a full medical examination. The Telegraph reports: “the formalities of the deal, which is believed to be worth a basic salary of around £30,000-a-week, were concluded on Friday evening.”

The move to Liverpool’s bitter rivals is for many Kopite’s, the final insult for a player intent on pursuing his England and personal goals. Speaking about his move to Real Madrid from Liverpool, Owen said: “It is a step forward to me. To play in Real is something more. I hope this change will take me a bit further ahead in my career.”

His move back to England to join Newcastle a year later was seen as some as a way to kick starting his England career with a world Cup looming the following summer. Once again Owen is in the international wilderness, with Fabio Capello refusing to play the former Liverpool hero. A move to Manchester United will certainly boost his profile with the England boss.