Wayne Rooney has signed a two-year contract extension with
Manchester United that will keep him at Old Trafford until
2012.
The Red Devils have confirmed the news on the eve of their crunch
Barclays Premiership showdown with Chelsea.
Although the 21-year-olds previous deal was not due to expire
until 2010, United have been quick to recognise the enormous
contribution Rooney has made since he joined from Everton for
£27million two years ago.
And, having already secured Cristiano Ronaldo to a long-term
contract until 2010, Ferguson feels he already has the platform to
build a team that will contest for major honours for quite a while
yet.
Obviously, I think for everyone at the club, it is great news that
Wayne has committed his future to Manchester United, he
said.
It reflects our intention to build a team to stay together.
Cristiano Ronaldo signed a new contract last year and we have
other exciting young talent here too.
We see Wayne and Cristiano emerging as the best players in the
world. They have their best years in front of them and we will all
be lucky to witness that.
As arguably the finest young English talent to emerge in decades,
Rooney is vital to Uniteds chances of remaining at the forefront
of the game, both at home and abroad and the new contract will
catapult him among Uniteds top earners.
While he may not have scored a European goal since his sensational
debut-day hat-trick against Fenerbahce, he has been prolific at
club level, netting his second three-timer at Bolton Wanderers last
month.
So far, he has netted 40 goals in 105 appearances for the Red
Devils, with his recent strike in Englands friendly draw with
Holland last week was his 12th in 36 games for his country.
That negotiations between United and Rooneys trusted advisor Paul
Stretford only began two months ago emphasises the willingness of
both parties to get the deal done.
So far, Rooney only has a Carling Cup winners medal to show for
his efforts since joining United, but is desperate to add further
honours with the club.
I am made up to sign a new two-year extension, said Rooney.
It is something I have always wanted. There is so much I want to
achieve with this club, starting, hopefully, with the Premiership
this season.
It is an exciting time at the moment and I am relishing the
challenge that goes with it.
The team is developing with a mixture of experience and youth and
I am just glad I play my part in it.
