Press Association Sport understands the England international was in Manchester on Wednesday to undergo a series of physical examinations prior to completing his transfer to Old Trafford for a reported £15million.

Prospective new team-mate Michael Owen welcomed the signing, writing on his Twitter page: "I see Ashley Young has undergone a medical today. Let's hope everything goes well as he would be a great signing for us."

The 25-year-old has just a year left on his contract at Villa Park and made it clear to the club he had no intention of extending that deal.

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

"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]."

United have already signed Blackburn's England Under-21 defender Phil Jones for £16.5million 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.

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.