GREAT NEWS!

Club statement:

‘Manchester United is delighted to announce that the club
has agreed terms with Ruud van Nistelrooy on a new extended
contract. The deal will see Ruud stay at the club until 30th
June 2008.

‘Sir Alex Ferguson said “We are delighted to get Ruud’s
signature on a new contract. It shows the ambition of the
club to keep the best. Ruud has broken every record since he
has been here. His improvement and continual commitment to
the club is an asset. Ruud has proved to be a fantastic
signing and his contract extension is great news for the
club and the fans”

‘Ruud van Nistelrooy said “I am delighted to commit my
future to the club. I have grown very fond of Manchester
United, the fans are amazing. I have had some great moments
here but I want to continue to give the club my best, and I
am looking forward to new challenges on the pitch”

‘David Gill, Chief Executive of Manchester United PLC, said
“This is great news for the club and the fans. Ruud has been
outstanding, he is an integral part of Manchester United and
the success we have achieved on the pitch”’

Ruud also told MUTV that Alex Ferguson was a major factor in
his decision to stay at the club:

"Sir Alex is a very important factor in this. I spoke to him
about it, about the future of the club and about his plans
for the team. I know that with his managerial qualities
there are going to be some great years to come here and I
want to be part of that.

"My first contract was due to expire when I was 30. Now I
can stay here for an extra two years and during that time I
want to play my best football. If you are happy with United,
you aren't going to think about anyone else. Maybe if you
don't like it here you are in a different situation but I
know what I have. It is precious to me and I wouldn't change
it for anything.

“I knew the manager had committed himself and that was
important. I spoke to him about the future and I want to be
part of it.''