Forlan struggled for first-team football at United

Forlan, 25, signed for a reported �2m fee and admitted he quit Old Trafford to find regular first-team football.

He said: "Sir Alex Ferguson spoke to me and said that I would not really get many chances to play this season and recommended I accept the move.

"I'd like to thank Sir Alex for allowing me to leave given there were so many players injured."

He added: "I am not going to set myself targets but I am coming here to work hard and do the best I can."

The Uruguayan joined United from Argentine side Independiente for �7.5m in January 2002.

Forlan said: "I know Villarreal well, I follow the Spanish league a lot and there are a lot of South American players here."

He needed 27 games to score his first goal for United.

And he admits it is nice to feel wanted by Villarreal, who have given him with the number five shirt.

It was a fair gamble at the time we bought him, but it just didn't work out From BB Have your say on 606

"It was important the club made an effort to sign me and made me a good offer," said Forlan, who is sure to be included in coach Manuel Pellegrini's squad for the club's opening Primera Liga fixture, away at defending champions Valencia on 30 August.

United have injury problems up front with Ruud van Nistelrooy and Louis Saha currently sidelined and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer out for the season.

United currently have just one fit recognised first-team striker in summer signing Alan Smith.

But both Saha and Van Nistelrooy are closing in on a return to fitness.