Owen completes Manchester United move
Former European Footballer of the Year Michael Owen has completed a surprise free transfer move to Manchester United, the Premier League champions said on Friday.
"Michael is a world class forward with a proven goalscoring 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 the club's official website (www.manutd.com).
Owen, 29, had been out of contract after deciding to leave relegated Newcastle United and becomes Alex Ferguson's second signing of the close-season following Ecuador winger Antonio Valencia's move from Wigan Athletic on Tuesday.
The ex-Liverpool striker has struggled for form and fitness in four years at Newcastle, scoring just 30 goals, and has been consistently overlooked by England manager Fabio Capello.
Owen, seventh on the list of all-time top scorers in the Premier League with 144, had been linked by British media with a move to Hull City last week but will instead replace Argentina forward Carlos Tevez who left United last month.
"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," Owen said. "I agreed without a moment's thought."
EUROPEAN AWARD
The 2001 European Footballer of the Year, who has scored 40 times in 89 appearances for his country, shot to fame as a goalscoring teenager with Liverpool and England before joining Real Madrid in 2004.
He had a single season at the Bernabeu where he failed to hold down a first team place amongst the "galacticos", before moving on to Newcastle in 2005 who were relegated to the Championship (second division) in May.
Owen will be reunited with striker Wayne Rooney whom he successfully partnered in attack for England before injuries curtailed his international career.
"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," Owen added.
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r ferriggi
Jul 6th 2009, 11:41
to mr stafrace
yes, of course,,,, the transfer has been orchestrated by AF only for one reason:
to create a sensation, possibly jelousy. a club of utd's standing and finances going for Owen?? does not convince me at all.
after all, liverpool chose not to engage him again, even after he expressed that wish.
you can speak to ANY liverpool fan and he will tell you his honest opinion. that Owen was one of our greatest and most loved players,,,,,, BUT AT THIS POINT IN TIME these is no place for him.
owen will always remain what he represents for LFC. we do not ''chase away players after that they have given us sterling service!!
Charles Micallef
Jul 4th 2009, 17:06
Justin Vella,
As their contract with a particular club runs out, so there is no fee to pay! (Free Transfer)
Kevin Sammut
Jul 4th 2009, 16:37
Hello Charles Micallef
Nice to see you are doing well. It has been a while since we have heard of you . I believe it was on the eve of the champions league final, when you told me that I would be amazed by Man Utd performance that night. Any ways you are right about Owen if the backroom boys are good babysitters maybee that two-time charlie could turn out to be a good signing.As for Mr Stafrace, well you are right , I am livid with owen , not just because he has sign for Utd but the way he left Liverpool 5 years ago, indicating he would sign a new contract at liverpool but he left for madrid for only 8 million , atleast Utd got 80 million for that "girly man".After missing out on Tevez and Benzema and probably Ribery Mr. Ferguson had to buy some one and it could prove to be a good one , only time will tell.
Justin Vella
Jul 4th 2009, 16:14
Can somebody explain how these footballers accept for a no fee transfer ?
Charles Stafrace
Jul 4th 2009, 14:30
Except for his injuries-prone problem, Michael Owen is still a good player, and engaging him for nothing has been an excellent move by Man Utd. It will also restore his pride. Liverpool fans must be livid about this move.
Charles Micallef
Jul 4th 2009, 13:48
Hello Kevin,
Will speak at the end of the seson, and you will find out what difference the 'backroom boys' at MU do any particular player!
Charles Micallef
Jul 4th 2009, 13:11
Selling one unhappy player fo 80odd million, and taking on another for no fee at all,
Sir Alex certainly knows what is doing!
Kevin Sammut
Jul 4th 2009, 12:20
WHAT A SILLY BOY ! HE THINKS HE IS STILL GOOD ENOUGH ! HIS FALL FROM GRACE IS NOW COMPLETE! WHAT A SILLY ASS!
Noel Attard
Jul 4th 2009, 11:10
I can just imagine him scoring the winner against Liverpool next season. What a shrewd buy!