Owen jumps at chance to revive flagging fortunes

By Graham Chase - Analysis

MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - Michael Owen has grabbed the chance to resurrect his career by joining Manchester United and pledged to repay manager Alex Ferguson for giving him a platform on which to shine with the Premier League champions.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for me and I intend to seize it with both hands," the England striker told the club's official website (www.manutd.com) Friday after leaving Championship (second division) club Newcastle United.

"I want to thank Sir Alex for the faith he has shown in me and I give him my assurance I will repay him with my goals and performances," he added after becoming the first player since Paul Ince in 1997 to sign for Liverpool and Manchester United.

While Ferguson's audacious move to bring in former European Footballer of the Year Owen on a two-year deal is considered a gamble by many pundits, the capture of the 29-year-old striker is effectively a risk-free move by the United manager.

Owen has joined the club on a free transfer with British media reporting the contract is based heavily on incentives.

Having lost top forwards Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez already during this close season, Ferguson has moved quickly to enlist a striker with a proven track record to provide competition for Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov in attack.

The former Liverpool and Real Madrid marksman, who has been plagued by fitness problems in recent years, was particularly happy about the timing of his move to Old Trafford.

"I missed pre-season last year and I am pleased I will be starting at Carrington (United's training ground) from day one," said Owen.