Robin Van Persie completed his move from Arsenal to Manchester United after completing a medical and agreeing to personal terms, signing a four-year contract, reportedly worth £220,000 ($345,000) a week.
"Robin van Persie has completed his medical, agreed personal terms and signed for Manchester United on a four-year contract until June 2016," a statement on the club's official website said.
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson expressed his delight at securing a "world-class striker."
"Robin is a world-class striker with a proven record in England and in European football," the Scot told the club's website. "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 moves from Arsenal in acrimonious circumstances, after releasing a statement on July 4, where he stated he would not be signing a new contract, forcing the Gunners' hand to look for a buyer. Both clubs announced a fee had been agreed on Wednesday, believed to be an initial £20 million ($31.3 million), with add-ons based on appearances and success.
"It's an honor to sign for Manchester United," the 29-year-old Dutch striker said. "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."
New teammate David De Gea hailed the Van Persie signing. "He's one of the greatest strikers in the world and it would be a really great signing for us," De Gea said.
"He made a great difference last year with the number of goals he scored. Our players will give him a lot of support and opportunities to score goals -- so he'll soon find his rhythm and strengths here.
"It's better to have him in our team and helping us. He's a player who scores a lot of goals and he's very cool up front. He has a lot of quality to his game."
Netherlands national team coach Louis Van Gaal gave his blessing to the move. "Robin's transfer to Manchester United is fantastic not just for himself, but for Dutch football in general too," the former Ajax and Bayern Munich manager told Algemeen Dagblad.
"Robin followed his heart in this matter."