British soccer player Michael Owen leaves Bridgewater hospital after undergoing a medical examination in Manchester, northern England July 3, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    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

    - 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."