Scholes and Fletcher retie United knot

Paul Scholes and Darren Fletcher have signed extensions to their existing contracts at Manchester United FC, continuing their association with the European champions until June 2010 and June 2012 respectively.

Model professional
Midfielder Scholes has spent his entire career at Old Trafford, and has agreed to stay on for an additional 12 months after his deal expires at the end of this season, saying: "It's great to sign a new deal. Last season was fantastic but you always want to achieve more and with this team we are capable of doing just that." Sir Alex Ferguson said the 33-year-old former England international was "proof that if you look after yourself, you can carry on playing and be rewarded at a club of this size".

One-club men
Another one-club man, Fletcher, 24, has penned a three-year extension to his contract and the Scottish international is no less excited than Scholes. "When you play at such a great club with a great team you always want to be a part of that. The spirit here is amazing and I am happy that I can play my part in achieving more success," he said. Sir Alex added: "Darren is in the same vein as Ryan [Giggs], Paul [Scholes] and Wes [Brown] in that he is a long-serving member of the team. His consistency and level-headed approach is a great attribute and we are all delighted that they have signed new contracts."