HOME IS WHERE THE HARTE IS
Harte's displays on the left were instrumental in Leeds reaching the last four of the Champions League as his attacking thrusts caused a whole host of problems for a number of teams.
Only one of the World's greatest players Luis Figo created more goals in Europe's premier club competition than Harte. The Drogheda-born defender created six goals in the Champions League for his United team-mates while Figo who played against Harte four times for both club and country in 2000-01 had seven assists to his name.
The improved contract for Harte caps a marvellous summer for the 23-year-old who recently tied the knot with his long-term girlfriend, and was spared the ignominy of getting his head shaved like the rest of the Leeds team because of his wedding ceremony.
Harte was also named in Opta's Premiership team of the season for his displays at left back, his seven goals was the most by a defender with four of them coming from his deadly left-footed free kicks. With only David Beckham netting more than Harte in the league.
He also curled home some vital set-piece strikes in the Champions League against Anderlecht and 1860 Munich. Putting him alongside such illustrious dead-ball exponents as Roberto Carlos and Rivaldo.
It was a great recovery by Harte who spent eight matches on the sidelines after the arrival of Rio Ferdinand in November, with United manager preferring to use Dominic Matteo on the left-hand side of defence.
After securing Olivier Dacourt on a long-term deal last week and chairman Peter Risdale currently in negotiations to tie Mark Viduka down, the future at Elland Road looks incredibly exciting for the supporters who hope to see the team continue the great strides they have made under O'Leary in the last few years.
And in extending Harte's contract they have secured the services for another five years of one of the best left-backs in Europe and scared off potential suitors such as Inter Milan who have tried to poach him in the past.
