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.”

Rio Ferdinand warns Manchester United youngsters they will have to fight him for his place: I will prove I am hungrier than them

Defender insists the Red Devils' raft of starlets cannot afford to be overawed and has told those competing for his spot in the side that he will not give up easily



Manchester United’s Rio Ferdinand insists he will not relinquish his place in the heart of defence too easily as he looks to fend off competition from the likes of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling.

The two youngsters joined up with the rest of the United players following their involvement in the European Under-21 Championship with England, and they look set to feature in Saturday’s match against Chicago Fire. Ferdinand acknowledges the defensive talent available to manager Sir Alex Ferguson, but the 32-year-old will not stand by and let the youngsters take his place without a fight.

"I remember what I was like when I was young," he told reporters. "I remember looking up at Slaven Bilic, Marc Rieper, Alvin Martin and Steve Potts at West Ham. "I was only a kid but I used to sit on the bench and think I should be playing. I am sure these guys think the same thing. If they have got anything about them they should. They are all talented footballers and, I believe, Manchester United players. At some point I am sure they will take over the reins. But I am competitive and I don't want to be giving up my position to anybody. My task is to prove I am hungrier than them."

Ferdinand also warned the youngsters rising through the ranks at Old Trafford that if they are intimidated by the senior stars they might be sold.

"They can't be in awe of me," he added. "If they are, they will get shipped out. That is the way it is. Your desire has to be to play. I understand and respect that. That is why they are here."

Ferdinand insists the pressure to perform still remains, but it is merely part of the job and something that marks Manchester United players out from others.

"Over the years this club has been very successful," he said. "In the last couple of years we have won trophies as well. It is great to see. But it does bring pressure. It is not overwhelming though. It is part of being a Manchester United player. You have to deal with all that stuff. It separates you from being a Manchester United player and not."

Injuries were unfortunately a frequent concern for Ferdinand last season, but the centre-back claims that his fitness is coming along nicely and he should be ready for the new campaign.

"My fitness is OK," he said. "I am nowhere near where I want to be yet but we have three weeks left. Last season, I had no problems with my back, which was a good thing, but I did pull my calf which kept me out for a chunk of the year. Hopefully this time around I won't have anything like that and I can continue to play a consistent amount of games."