PSV Eindhoven striker Ruud van Nistelrooy completed a record-breaking move to Manchester United today when he joined for Stg£19 million.
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United had agreed to buy him for £18.5 million pounds 12 months ago but the transfer collapsed when Van Nistelrooy failed a medical. Days later he suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury which ruled him out of action for almost a year.
The 24-year-old, who returned to action in March, passed another medical in Manchester on Saturday and United today announced he had signed a five-year contract starting on July 1st.
His transfer is a new British record, edging the £18 million Leeds United paid for West Ham United defender Rio Ferdinand in November.
Van Nistelrooy is currently on international duty with the Netherlands who play Cyprus in a World Cup qualifier on Wednesday. United and PSV reopened talks about Van Nistelrooy after he played in PSV's 3-1 win over RKC Waalwijk on Friday.
United manager Alex Ferguson, disappointed his side could not progress beyond the quarter-finals of the Champions League, believes Van Nistelrooy will give his side a boost up front.
"It (the deal) was always going to be on as long as the lad recovered," he told The Scotsmannewspaper.
"We've been monitoring his progress throughout the recuperation period and I'm very happy with the way things have gone.
"Strikers are always going to cost a lot these days but if you can get one who is not only top class but still only 24, it's even better.
"It means the position is covered, barring accidents, for four or five years down the line."
Ferguson said at the weekend that he had no plans to sell, so forwards Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke, Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should all be around next season as the manager bids to sign off with a second Champions League success.
After going out in the quarter-finals in the last two seasons following the 1999 victory, Ferguson admitted he needed to add to his squad.
"Now is the time for Manchester United to buy," he said at the weekend.
"We need three players because this team needs fresh faces. Changes will have to be made to perk everyone up and the three players we buy will have to be very good."