体坛英语新闻：Owen joins Manchester United

LONDON, July 3 (Xinhua) -- Michael Owen joined English champions Manchester United on a two-year contract Friday.

    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

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

    - 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."