Manchester United completed their swoop for Arsenal striker Robin van Persie on Friday after the Dutch star passed a medical and agreed personal terms on a four-year contract.

Van Persie's transfer, which is believed to have cost United around £24 million ($37 million) has been completed in time for the forward to make his debut in his new team's opening Premier League game of the season at Everton on Monday.

The 29-year-old's signing is a significant coup for United boss Sir Alex Ferguson after he persuaded van Persie to snub an offer from Premier League champions Manchester City in a favour of a move to Old Trafford.

"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 United's website confirmed.