The 25-year-old has also been handed the onerous responsibility of wearing the number 16 shirt, formerly the preserve of United legend Roy Keane.

Carrick will be presented to the press on Wednesday as he becomes United's sixth most expensive signing, but club manager Sir Alex Ferguson said the former West Ham star was gagging to pull on Keane's shirt.

"Michael has completed his medical, we are going to be having a press conference on Wednesday I think," Ferguson told the club's television channel MUTV.

"He has settled down fine, I spoke to him today (Monday). I said to him 'I'm giving you the number 16 jersey' so he was delighted at that.

"I think that showed great courage because sometimes players are a bit superstitious about things like that but he was keen, and said he would gladly take number 16," added Ferguson, who fell out so badly with Keane that the former Republic of Ireland captain left the club last season.

Carrick, who was part of the England World Cup squad but only started the 1-0 win over Ecuador in the second round, had two years left on his Spurs contract but rejected a new contract offer because of United's persistent interest.

"This is a move that Michael wants to make," Spurs manager Martin Jol told the club's official website.

"We have given him every reason to stay but he has asked to be allowed to leave."

The sale of the seven times-capped Carrick represents a massive profit for Spurs, who signed him from West Ham for 2.75million pounds two years ago - the Hammers will also get some of the money as there was a sell on clause in the initial transfer deal.

The transfer fee for Carrick - who was part of an immensely gifted West Ham midfield with fellow England internationals Frank Lampard and Joe Cole - is expected to comprise an initial down payment and a series of add-ons.

When Wayne Rooney joined United from Everton in August 2004 for 27million pounds the deal's additional payments were dependent on the club's success, the player's international appearances and the number of years he remained at Old Trafford.