Owen signed a two-year deal as Manchester United fans
filled internet message boards questioning the capture of the
injury-prone former Liverpool star.
But the striker promised to start next season with a
bang and prove Alex Ferguson was spot-on to take a gamble on
him.
Owen said: "I know there will be people out there
saying 'maybe the manager shouldn't have signed me'. But when the
first game kicks off I can do my talking on the pitch - and I want
to start with a bang."
The 2001 European Footballer of the Year also wants to
prove he is not a crock. He said: "A lot has been made out of it -
but I certainly do not think I'm injury-prone.
"I'm 29 and played more than 500 games at the highest
level for clubs, and with England at international level, so I
can't have been on the treatment table all the time.
"I want to improve on my injury record and, hopefully
with the staff here, I'll be ready for every game. Everyone would
have got injured had someone stamped on their foot."
Owen went through two rigorous medicals in London and
Manchester - and then serious fitness tests at United's Carrington
training ground.
He said: "I would like to think everyone was surprised
at how the medical was. "But I have passed them before and my
fitness is fine."
Owen said the move was a dream after only Hull had made
their interest public until the striker received a call from
Ferguson on Wednesday.
He said: "A few days ago I didn't have this in my
wildest dreams. Now I don't think I'll be able to sleep, thinking
about all the top players I'll be playing with here.
"I had just begun to talk to other clubs when out of
the blue Sir Alex phoned me on Wednesday. He invited me to have
breakfast with him the next morning, during which he told me that
he wanted to sign me. I agreed straight away.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for me and I intend to
seize it with both hands. "I'm now looking forward to being a
United player and I'm fortunate I know so many of the players
here.
"I missed pre-season last year and am pleased I'll
start here from day one. "I want to thank Sir Alex for showing
faith in me and I gave him my assurance I'll repay him with my
goals and performances."
Fergie made his dramatic move for Owen after losing out
on Lyon's Karim Benzema to Real Madrid. But the United boss
believes he has still landed a top-class signing who will grab the
opportunity presented to him in the twilight of his
career.
He said: "Michael is a world-class forward with a
proven scoring record at the highest level. That has never been in
question.
"Coming to Manchester United with the expectations that
we have is something that Michael will relish."
Owen will earn a basic salary of £50,000-a-week - plus
huge bonuses depending on goals and appearances. And the former
Real Madrid and Newcastle ace is aiming to grab some silverware
after his days at the very top level looked over. He said:
"Everything happened so quick and now I think 'wow!'
"You think Manchester United, you think winners and
trophies." Owen admitted that he always felt that one day he might
play for United, having represented them as a kid.
He said: "I came here a couple of times as a youngster.
I competed in a tournament for them and met the manager.
"Over the last few years I've spoken to other players
and had the idea that Sir Alex still thought I had something to
offer.
"I was always clinging to the hope that he would ask me
to come and play for them one day."
