Wayne Rooney has signed a lucrative 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 Premiership
showdown with Chelsea.
Although the 21-year-old's 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.
As the finest young English talent to emerge in decades, Rooney is vital to
United's chances of remaining at the forefront of the game, both at home and
abroad and the new contract will catapult him among United's 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 last month.
So far, he has netted 40 goals in 105 appearances for the Red Devils, with his
recent strike in England's friendly draw with Holland last week was his 12th in
36 games for his country.
In extending his commitment to the Old Trafford outfit, Rooney has also shot
down any lingering suspicion of resentment, either against Sir Alex Ferguson for
his public expressions of worry over the striker's fitness ahead of the World
Cup, or team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo for his part in the Croxteth-born star's
dismissal in the quarter-final defeat to Portugal.
That negotiations between United and Rooney's trusted advisor Paul Stretford
only began two months ago emphasises the willingness of both parties to get the
deal done.
And, having already secured 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.'
So far, Rooney only has a Carling Cup winner's medal to show for his efforts
since joining United.
However, he knows victory against Chelsea tomorrow would take United take six
points clear at the Premiership summit, which would be a perfect way to
celebrate his new deal.
'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.'
