Michael Owen joined English champions Manchester United on a two-year contract Friday.

British soccer player Michael Owen leaves Bridgewater hospital after undergoing a medical examination in Manchester, northern England July 3, 2009. [Xinhua]

Owen, 29, was a free agent after his contract with relegated Newcastle expired, received phone call from Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson on Wednesday.

"I never thought it in my wildest dreams really - when I got the call from the manager to come and meet him it was a shock," Owen said. "I know there will be a few people saying the manager shouldn't have bought me."

"Michael is a world class forward with a proven goalscoring record at the highest level," Ferguson said. "That has never been in question."

(Xinhua News Agency July 4, 2009)