Michael Owen has signed surprising move to Man u a two-year deal with the Premier League champions.

The 29-year-old ex-Liverpool and Real Madrid striker's contract with Newcastle ended earlier this week. "Michael is a world-class forward with a proven goalscoring record at the highest level," said United boss Sir Alex Ferguson. Owen had also been linked with Everton, Aston Villa, Stoke and Hull. But instead he becomes United's second summer signing after the recent addition of Antonio Valencia from Wigan.

See i have signe for two years

"Coming to Manchester United with the expectations that we have is something that Michael will relish," added Ferguson. Owen said United's interest in him came as a surprise, adding: "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 next morning during which he told me that he wanted to sign me.