MANCHESTER UNITED HAVE today rubber-stamped the signing of fullback Alexander Buttner on a five-year-deal.

The 23-year-old joins the Premier League runners-up from Vitesse Arnhem, where he played almost 120 times in four years.

“Alexander is one of the best young left backs in Europe and we’re delighted to sign him.” United boss, Alex Ferguson told ManUtd.com.

“He’s someone we’ve been watching for a while now. He gives us some really exciting options in that position.”

Ferguson’s current first-choice in that position, Patrice Evra, has come under fire in recent months for some shaky defensive displays from the 31-year-old French international.

Evra went into this season as the only clear contender for the role, with John O’Shea having moved on last season, and Fabio allowed to join QPR on loan.

After completing his medical to seal the £3.9M switch,  Büttner said: “Joining Manchester United is one of the best days of my life. It’s a team I have admired for many years now and I can’t wait to join my team-mates and play my part in helping the club be successful.”

Büttner was not included in the Netherlands’ 23-man squad for Euro 2012 this summer, but was part of Bert van Marwijk’s wider preliminary selection.

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