Van Nistelrooy signs deal

His contract extension is great news for the club and the fans Sir Alex Ferguson Ferguson signs new deal

Man Utd striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has signed a new contract with the Old Trafford club.

The Dutch international's new deal will keep him at United until 30 June, 2008.

Van Nistelrooy, 27, has signed the extension to his previous deal in the wake of manager Sir Alex Ferguson agreeing a 12-month rolling contract.

"We are delighted to get Ruud's signature on a new contract," said Ferguson. "It shows the ambition of the club to keep the best."

He added: "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 IN FOCUS July 1976: Born in Oss, Holland 1997: Scores 13 goals in 30 outings for Heereveen in 1997/98 season 1998: Signs for PSV Eindhoven for £4.2m Nov 1998: Makes debut for Holland July 2001: Moves to United for £19m April 14, 2002 Voted PFA Player of the Year

Van Nistelrooy joined United for £19m in July 2001 and has scored 98 goals in 129 first-team appearances since his arrival.

He said: "I am delighted to commit my future to the club.

"I have grown very fond of Manchester United, the fans are amazing."

Van Nistelrooy had earlier agreed a move to United, but the switch fell through after he suffered a serious knee injury.

The deal eventually went through a year later and Van Nistelrooy holds the faith Ferguson showed in him during that period in high regard.

He stressed that the presence of Ferguson was key to his decision to commit to the club.

"Sir Alex is a very important factor in this," he told MUTV.

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"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.

"I have had some great moments here but I want to continue to give the club my best.

"I am looking forward to new challenges on the pitch."