United Signing Honoured To Be Making Old Trafford Move

Robin van Persie has revealed he's honoured to be signing a contract with Manchester United, as the club confirmed on Friday morning that the striker had passed a medical and agreed personal terms.

The Red Devils released a short statement during the week saying that van Persie had been granted permission to speak with the club, and he has now signed a deal lasting four years and believed to be worth around £24 million.

Ferguson has been very open about his delight at finally securing the deal, and believes that with a strike force including van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck, United will have a side capable of challenging City for the title.

"Robin is a world-class striker with a proven record in England and in European football," Sir Alex Ferguson told the United website. "His talents need no introduction to our fans - he has scored a number of goals against us in some classic battles with his former club. His movement, finishing and all-round ability are outstanding."

The move would have come as a shock to United and Arsenal fans alike, but van Persie says that he's looking forward to hitting the ground running for the club as they prepare for their season opener against Everton on Monday.

"It's an honour to sign for Manchester United," he said. "I am looking forward to following in the footsteps of so many great strikers, bringing my experience and playing my part to help the team compete for the biggest trophies in the game. I can't wait to get started."

The deal is a big coup for United, who beat City and Juventus to van Persie's signature. Ferguson said yesterday that he believes they can not only challenge for the title, but for the treble with a strikeforce of such quality.

"In 1999 I had Yorke, Cole, Sheringham and Solskjaer: the four best strikers in Europe. We are going towards that now," he told the BBC.

"It is great to have a player of Robin van Persie's qualities to come into the squad. I am very pleased."