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Van Persie seals United switch

Robin van Persie will strengthen Manchester United's attack © PA Photos

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Robin van Persie has completed his move to Manchester United, the Dutch striker registering in time to be free to make his debut for the club against Everton on Monday.

Having agreed a fee - reported to be £22 million - with Arsenal, United welcomed Van Persie to Manchester on Thursday to undergo a medical at Bridgewater Hospital.

After coming through the medical and agreeing personal terms, the 29-year-old signed on a four-year contract until June 2016, with the club confirming his arrival on Friday.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: "Robin is a world-class striker with a proven record in England and in European football. 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."

Van Persie added: "It's an honour to sign for Manchester United. 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 striker ends an eight-year association with the Gunners after growing frustrated with the club's direction, having won only the Community Shield and the FA Cup during his time in north London.

As he entered the final year of his contract this summer, he announced that he was unwilling to sign a new deal. Arsene Wenger reluctantly accepted his wishes and, though he made it clear he would have preferred to sell the striker to a club outside England, only Manchester United were both willing and able to fund the deal.

Rio Ferdinand believes Van Persie will be a major boost for United.

"He scored 35 goals, he was their player of the year, their captain, and for us to take him and bring him here is fantastic news and I'm sure our fans are jumping for joy," he said. "There are players who play in his position, who are now going to be thinking 'I need to up my game now to make sure I'm in the manager's thoughts and get in the team'. We need to challenge people."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.