The 2001 European footballer of the year has dropped out of the England squad, but a move to United gives Owen the chance to revitalise his career, even if it involved accepting a lower basic salary.
In March, Sullivan lambasted the squad in an open letter to supporters, a move which disappointed Boa Morte, who is out of contract and expects to leave the club this summer.
Indeed, Jelavic's move was only re-ignited after the striker was left out of Rapid's squad for the 1-1 draw after refusing to play in Thursday's first leg in Vienna.