UPDATE 1-Soccer-Owen completes suprise Manchester United move

* Owen signs two-year deal

* Becomes United's second close-season signing

(adds details, byline)

By Patrick Johnston

LONDON, July 3 (Reuters) - Former European Footballer of the Year Michael Owen has completed a surprise free transfer move to Manchester United, the Premier League champions said on Friday.

"Michael is a world class forward with a proven goalscoring record at the highest level and that has never been in question," said manager Alex Ferguson.

"Coming to Manchester United with the expectations that we have is something that Michael will relish," he added on the club's official website (www.manutd.com).

Owen, 29, had been out of contract after deciding to leave relegated Newcastle United and becomes Alex Ferguson's second signing of the close-season following Ecuador winger Antonio Valencia's move from Wigan Athletic on Tuesday.

The ex-Liverpool striker has struggled for form and fitness in four years at Newcastle, scoring just 30 goals, and has been consistently overlooked by England manager Fabio Capello.