Manchester United’s Park Ji-Sung offered two-year contract extension

Boss Sir Alex Ferguson is confident the midfielder will sign a new deal and insists Portugal international Nani remains part of his plans at Old Trafford ahead of the new season

Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-Sung has been offered a two-year contract extension, boss Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed.

The South Korean’s current deal expires at the end of the 2011-2012 campaign, and there had been speculation that the 30-year-old could leave the club. However, Park now looks set to commit his future to the current Premier League champions, with Sir Alex hailing the player’s professionalism and also signalling he is firmly part of his plans for this season.

Speaking to reporters on the club’s pre-season tour of the USA, the Scot said: “He’s been offered a new cntract, yes. I’m sure he’ll sign it. His career at United has been nothing but excellent. He’s a tremendous professional. “I’m sure he’ll accept a new offer and tie himself to the club for the next two years.”

Meanwhile, Sir Alex has moved to allay any fears over the departure of Portuguese winger Nani, whose position at the club has been drawn under scrutiny following the arrival of Ashley Young.

He added: "Nani is a good player and his personality is improving. We will be challenging next season and will play a lot of games. He did really well last season, but Valencia came back and his form was so good it was difficult to leave him out. Nani was unfortunate not to be picked for the Champions League final, but he is still young and he is maturing all the time."

The Scot also remains confident his compatriot Darren Fletcher will regain fitness in time for the new season. The 27-year-old has only played 106 minutes of first team football since March 6, having contracted a virus in February.

“Darren’s recovering from this virus he’s had for quite a few months,” he continued. “Sometimes viruses do take time. He’s been into Carrington for the last few days and he’s doing a weight programme at the moment. Hopefully by the time we get back he’ll be rejoining us.”