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-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.
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 UnitedÂ’s chances of remaining at the forefront of the game, both at home and abroad and the new contract will catapult him among UnitedÂ’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 Wanderers last month.
So far, he has netted 40 goals in 105 appearances for the Red Devils, with his recent strike in EnglandÂ’s friendly draw with Holland last week was his 12th in 36 games for his country.
That negotiations between United and RooneyÂ’s 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 winnerÂ’s 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.”
