Birthday gift for Kieran

Kieran Richardson has signed a new four-year contract with Manchester United.

The England international has been rewarded by manager Sir Alex Ferguson after breaking into United's starting line-up this season.

Richardson, who spent the second half of last term on loan at West Brom, has agreed to stay at Old Trafford until 2009.

The youngster, who turned 21 on Friday, has made eight appearances for The Red Devils this season after rejecting a return to West Brom.

He took advantage of an injury to Gabriel Heinze by establishing himself at left back, although he is currently sidelined with an injury of his own.

After making the breakthrough into the United team, Richardson admits he had no qualms in pledging his future to the club.

"I am happy to commit my future to Manchester United," Richardson told the club's official website.

"It's the club where I want to be and I couldn't imagine being anywhere else."

Richardson's decision to sign a new deal at United, follows on from his team-mates John O'Shea and Darren Fletcher, who were both rewarded with fresh terms last week.