New deals for United trio
Manchester United have agreed new long-term contracts with Rio Ferdinand, Wes Brown and Michael Carrick.
Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed the trio have ended any doubts surrounding their futures by pledging to stay at Old Trafford.
Ferdinand has been discussing an extension with the Premier League champions for some time and has accepted a deal until 2013.
He has grown in stature at United this season and has spoken of his desire that this contract will not be his last with the club.
The centre-half was a £30million signing from Leeds United in 2002 and he has made over 250 appearances.
The future of Brown had been less clear-cut after the England international repeatedly rejected the contract which had been offered.
Brown was due to become a free agent in the summer and the Red Devils had rejected an approach from Newcastle United during January's transfer window.
Ferguson had previously been critical of Brown's agent in the negotiations, but the 28-year-old has decided to stay with his only club.
The versatile stopper, who has made the right-back spot his own this season in the absence of injured skipper Gary Neville, is approaching 300 appearances for United.
Carrick has also been rewarded by United for his progress since joining the club in an £18.6million switch from Tottenham Hotspur in 2006.
After a steady first season at the club, Carrick has been favoured in the midfield holding role, ahead of Owen Hargreaves, in recent weeks.
The new contracts will provide United with a major fillip as Ferguson looks to secure back-to-back Premier League titles and advance past Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League.
| Time | Fixture |
|---|---|
| Sunday 8th November | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 13:30 | Hull vs Stoke |
| 15:00 | West Ham vs Everton |
| 15:00 | Wigan vs Fulham |
| 16:00 | Chelsea vs Man Utd |
| Monday 9th November | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 20:00 | Liverpool vs Birmingham |
| Saturday 21st November | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 12:45 | Liverpool vs Man City |
| 15:00 | Birmingham vs Fulham |
| 15:00 | Burnley vs Aston Villa |
| 15:00 | Chelsea vs Wolverhampton |
| 15:00 | Hull vs West Ham |
| 15:00 | Sunderland vs Arsenal |
| 17:30 | Man Utd vs Everton |
| Sunday 22nd November | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 13:30 | Bolton vs Blackburn |
| 15:00 | Tottenham vs Wigan |
| 16:00 | Stoke vs Portsmouth |
| Wednesday 25th November | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 19:45 | Hull vs Everton |
| 20:00 | Fulham vs Blackburn |
| Saturday 28th November | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 15:00 | Blackburn vs Stoke |
| 15:00 | Fulham vs Bolton |
| 15:00 | Man City vs Hull |
| Time | Result |
|---|---|
| Saturday 7th November | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Wolverhampton 1 - 4 Arsenal | |
| Man City 3 - 3 Burnley | |
| Tottenham 2 - 0 Sunderland | |
| Blackburn 3 - 1 Portsmouth | |
| Aston Villa 5 - 1 Bolton | |
| Wednesday 4th November | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| West Ham 2 - 1 Aston Villa | |
| Sunday 1st November | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Birmingham 0 - 0 Man City | |
| Saturday 31st October | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Man Utd 2 - 0 Blackburn | |
| Sunderland 2 - 2 West Ham | |
| Portsmouth 4 - 0 Wigan | |
| Bolton 0 - 4 Chelsea | |
| Stoke 2 - 2 Wolverhampton | |
| Fulham 3 - 1 Liverpool | |
| Burnley 2 - 0 Hull | |
| Everton 1 - 1 Aston Villa | |
| Arsenal 3 - 0 Tottenham | |
| Sunday 25th October | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| West Ham 2 - 2 Arsenal | |
| Man City 2 - 2 Fulham | |
| Liverpool 2 - 0 Man Utd | |
| Bolton 3 - 2 Everton | |
Skysports.com looks at the best and worst moments from the latest round of top-flight fixtures.
Have a read through the skysports.com debate on Chelsea's 1-0 win over Man Utd at Stamford Bridge.
Pictures from Sunday's Premier League action where Hull snatch victory and Chelsea beat Man United.
Sir Alex Ferguson insisted John Terry's winner should not have been allowed to stand after Man United's defeat at Chelsea.
A John Terry header proved the difference as Chelsea beat Manchester United to move clear at the top of the Premier League.
Carlo Ancelotti admitted his delight in beating Chelsea's "best opponent" at Stamford Bridge.
Wes Brown feels Chelsea's winning goal should not have stood as he insists he was fouled by Didier Drogba.
Darren Bent is in the England squad to face Brazil, while Stephen Warnock and Tom Huddlestone have also been called up.
Comments (18)
David White (Manchester United fan) says...
Fantastic about Rio, I was not too bothered about Wes Brown as I felt as a local lad he should of shown more respect of the chance he has been given as he is only an average defender at best. I agree with comments about Carrick, his tackling is poor but he is an attacking midfielder but his passing is poor under pressure too, but we spent a lot on him so hopefully he will get better so good to secure him for longer. We can all agree that we have questioned some of Fergies decisions over the years, but he has always proved us wrong and I am sure he will continue to do so for his final few years. People talk about some of Uniteds greatest signings ever, and Fergie is never mentioned, it snot only players that count. Every player can be replaced, but Sir Alex will never be replaced when he finally calls it a day.
Posted 15:16 18th April 2008
Thembinkosi Lulane (Manchester United fan) says...
This is good news for the team that the three players have extended their contracts.It is really great for the team's future.
Posted 15:05 18th April 2008
Patrick Monaghan says...
It is great news that Wes and the other two have signed now we need Evra
Posted 15:03 18th April 2008
Georgy Tashev (Manchester United fan) says...
To be honest i'm very excited about Carrick and Ferdinand staying, they are a couple of my favourite players at Old Trafford, but i'm very displeased with Brown signing a new contract...His doubts over signing it, and him preferring to become a free agent rather than staying in the United squad is really frustrating. I find it very disrespectful and a proof of disloyalty. Besides, he's not the same class as Evra is when it comes to a full-back role. Imagine Ronaldo on the right flank having the type of support Giggs gets from Evra on the left, the thought of it is frightening.
Posted 14:56 18th April 2008
Alex Alex (Manchester United fan) says...
Some people really don't know anything....Why would you say carrick is rubbish and does not deserve a new contract? I don't know if you have realised but he's been the main centre midfield used by fergusson this season, and i would trust him any day ahead of what some so called united supporters think. After all scholes was pretty poor against arsenal (loose passes, caught in posession...) so everyone makes mistakes, and I remember a few years back (at the time beckham left) when some people were saying get rid of giggs while you can still get some money out of him. Once again fergusson was right in keeping him, so you people who critise players just because you're clueless idiots should just stay quiet and go support chelsea or something, as clearly you don't know anything about football!!!
Posted 14:43 18th April 2008
Erich Markert (Manchester United fan) says...
Great news about Carrick! I think he's one of the key players to the future of the United midfield. Forgive me for saying this, but I don't know if Ferdinand is worth all that money. Without Vidic, the back four show signs of vulnerability. Wes Brown has improved since playing first team ball, but he's prone to lapses in concentration.
Posted 13:58 18th April 2008
Peter Cooke says...
Congratulations on United securing the extension to Rio etc. I have been a United supporter all my life.(55 years).I think this is the best side and squad that United have ever had.
Posted 13:07 18th April 2008
Brad Houlton (Manchester United fan) says...
Yes, this is great news. Finally Wes Brown came to his senses and will stay at Old Trafford. Like many players have said all these years as soon as you leave Utd the only way is down. Good decision boys they won't regret it. Now Man Utd can dominate for at least the next few years.
Posted 13:07 18th April 2008
Tony Twist (Manchester United fan) says...
I think this only emphasises the unity at United. This clearly shows that Fergie has got a strong dressing room, with players who have a desire to suceed. If you dont agree new deals at United and decide to go to another club, then you are only gonna end up at a smaller club. This also attracts players as they know if they come to United, put the effort and work ethic in which is in place, they will be rewarded and looked after by the club.
Posted 13:06 18th April 2008
Gary Tunnicliff (Manchester United fan) says...
I am pleased Wes has stayed - he is certainly worth half as much as rio !!!
Posted 13:04 18th April 2008
Lee Rogers (Manchester United fan) says...
That news is proper bo. Man Utd will go from strength to strength now. Despite Chelsea spending silly money and trying to copy us I hope Mr Kenyon does not regret his decision to move... We can dominate for 5 years. I have seen it before and will see it again. We have been playing total football with an end product! Bring on Barca... Lee Rogers Excited Man Utd fan
Posted 13:03 18th April 2008
Ian Peacock (Tottenham Hotspur fan) says...
Utd should have sold Brown. They could have replaced him at a fraction of the price some sill EPL club would have paid for him i.e. Newcastle. He is at best an average premier defender and wouldnt get near the England team if he was playing outside the Top 4 clubs.
Posted 13:00 18th April 2008
I Gill (Manchester United fan) says...
Why o why o why are we giving Carrick a new contract?For me he is just a midfield willo the wisp.He can't tackle,can't run,doesn't score & his passing is eratic at best.If I have to see one more of his hopefull long balls land woefully off target I think I may scream!
Posted 12:59 18th April 2008
A Sheehan (Manchester United fan) says...
Great news, but what of Patrice Evra.....he is still awaiting a contract extension and I do not think we can afford to let him go.
Posted 12:56 18th April 2008
James Jackson (Manchester United fan) says...
It's about time Wes Brown signed. He's a good player and when fit brings a lot to the team. It's was just disapointing that when Man U stood by him when he was injury prone for all those year and then he listens to his agent to hold out for more money when it comes to a new contract!
Posted 12:54 18th April 2008
Matthew Sharp (Manchester United fan) says...
Rio and Carrick I would have thought would sign a new contract, but Wes Brown was looking doubtful as to signing. What I would like to know is what changed his mind?
Posted 12:51 18th April 2008
Hendrik Areseb (Manchester United fan) says...
Rio, Carrick and Brown are great players and Man United cann't afford to loose one of them. Congratulations to Alex Ferguson for extending the contracts of those great playes. I hope that will retire at Man. United
Posted 12:37 18th April 2008
Lalit Parab (Manchester United fan) says...
This is a great news that Brown signed a contract. As expected Rio and Carrick has agreed to sign the contract. Carrick has been very very good for United and certainly he increased his game as there is lot of compitition in the crowded mid field of United and still making a cut to first team place because of his much much improved game. Rio, Wes and Michael will stay forever with United. Best wishes to Trio.
Posted 12:35 18th April 2008