27/05/2004 Alan Smith
"Obviously it was a difficult decision. The cross-Pennine divide causes a lot of hostility between Leeds and Manchester United fans.
But, from a personal point of view and purely for footballing reasons only, United was the club I wanted to come to.
A lot has been made about me leaving Leeds to come to United but that can only improve me as a person as well.
Not a lot of people would have been brave enough to take that step.
There have been people who have done it in the past and I'm prepared for it and looking forward to the challenge.
I feel they can offer everything that I want as a footballer and I can hopefully develop and win trophies along the way.
I want to win everything that I can and that's the biggest reason why I came to United.
They can offer the chance to play in every major competition going and that's why I had to take the chance.
I have grown up at Leeds and spent some wonderful years there and I would like to thank everyone associated with the club."
27/05/2004 Manchester United manager, Alex Ferguson
"I have never been more impressed with a young player, his desire to play for Manchester United is fantastic.
Certain young people come along with a special determination and, after speaking to him, I expect that from Alan Smith. That desire will take him a long way."
27/05/2004 Alan Smith
"Obviously when you come to a club you want to make an impression straight away and I'm no different.
I believe in my own ability and that I am good enough to play in this team - and, hopefully, that will be proved right.
I can't wait to play alongside Ruud van Nistelrooy.
I'm really looking forward to the start of a new season and a new challenge for myself and a good challenge at Manchester United.
I'll be playing with world-class players week in, week out and training with them day in and day out, so coming here can only improve me as a player.
When you see the fixture list at the start of the season it gives you a buzz straight away and I can't wait to get back to pre-season now.
I've had a few words with the manager and he has just said he is looking forward to having me here and I'm looking forward to working with him.
Coming to a massive club like this is a huge step in your career.
But I think I have grown up personally and have matured a lot over the last few years.
Leeds United as a team, and as a club, helped me do that. I spent some wonderful years there and I would like to thank everyone associated with the club.
Hopefully I can continue my learning period and win over the fans with what I do on the field.
I'm at the stage of my career now where I feel I am ready for this.
I've played at a big club at Leeds for the first few years of my career but Manchester United will, hopefully, be the start of something really massive for myself.
Manchester United is a team of winners. They play in every tournament going and I want to become a winner too.
I think, if you are going to be successful as a team, you have to have a good squad and there's no doubt we have it here.
Competition for places will be good and strong and that can only improve yourself as a person and a player.
It's a club that's always wanted to be the best and, while growing up, I've always wanted to do the best I can and be a winner.
Coming to a team like this that needs winners means I can be one of those as well.
I feel it's the right time to move on and there could be no better club than Manchester United.
To be joining one of the best clubs in the world is fantastic."