Owen hails exciting Young as United close in on £16m move for Aston Villa ace

Michael Owen has backed Ashley Young to be a great signing for Manchester United with the England winger set to complete his £16million move to Old Trafford.

The Aston Villa star is expected to put pen to paper on terms after after undergoing a medical on Wednesday night

A deal was put in place before he flew to Las Vegas on holiday two weeks ago.

And Young quickly completed his medical assessment at Manchester's Bridgewater hospital after returning from America on Monday.

Good to go: Young (left) after his medical at the private Bridgewater Hospital in Manchester

Striker Owen, who committed himself to United for a further year earlier this summer, believes Young is an exciting addition for the Barclays Premier League champions.

'I see Ashley Young has undergone a medical today. Let's hope everything goes well as he would be a great signing for us,' he told social networking site Twitter.

New Villa manager Alex McLeish admitted earlier this week Young was destined to depart.

'It's not confirmed yet but it does seem likely,' the Scot told talkSPORT.

'In my humble opinion it will be very difficult [to keep hold of him].'

Young man: Michael Owen is excited about the arrival of the England international at Old Trafford

United are expected to announce the completion of the transfer today, meaning that manager Sir Alex Ferguson has already spent more than £30m this summer after landing defender Phil Jones from Blackburn for £16.5m earlier this month and are likely to strengthen further with Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David de Gea the likely replacement for the retired Edwin van der Sar.

Young, like Jones, was also a target for Liverpool but United boss Sir Alex Ferguson appears to have once again beaten Kenny Dalglish to the player's signature.

Young made his league debut as a Watford player at the age of 18 and went on to become a regular in the second tier before flourishing under the management of Aidy Boothroyd.

He progressed to the Premier League with the Hornets in 2006/07 and was one of the side's standout players.

United road: Phil Jones and Spain Under 21 goalkeeper David de Gea are also joining Man United this summer

He attracted the attention of several clubs, with Villa's Martin O'Neill securing his services for a fee rising to £9.75million.

Since then Young has become a key figure at Villa Park, operating on the wing as well as in a free role behind the strikers.

His international pedigree has also been established in recent times, with 15 England caps and two goals - both this year - to his name.