LONDON — Michael Owen has joined English champion Manchester United, a striking reversal of fortune for an injury-plagued forward who has been dropped from the national team by manager Fabio Capello.

The 29-year-old, who has 40 goals in 89 international appearances, signed a two-year contract Friday. The former Liverpool and Real Madrid player was a free agent after his contract expired Tuesday at relegated Newcastle.

United has lost Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez since losing the Champions League final to Barcelona.