Giggs and Howard ink new United deals
Monday, 16 May 2005 12:48Manchester United players Ryan Giggs and Tim Howard have both committed their future to the Old Trafford club after they both signed two-year contract extensions.
The news comes just six days before the FA Cup final meeting with Arsenal and for Giggs in particular brings to an end a long-running saga which looked at one stage as though he was going to leave the club.
United had prevoiusly suggested they were unwilling to bend on club policy of not offering over 30s any more than a one-year deal but has now relented, allowing Giggs to stay on until 2008.
Meanwhile goalkeeper Howard's contract will now expire in the summer of 2009.
Already the most decorated player in United's illustrious history, Giggs will look to become the first player for over a century to clinch a fifth FA Cup winners' medal on Saturday.
Also now within reach is the club record appearance mark. Giggs' outing against Southampton yesterday was his 634th for the Red Devils, 120 behind Bobby Charlton's all-time best mark.
"I have been here since I was a young boy and I have grown very fond of the club and the fans," said Giggs. "They have been an integral part of my life. I have always wanted to stay and I am happy that everything has worked out."
Meanwhile, Real Madrid have issued a statement in which they have denied any interest in signing United defender Rio Ferdinand.
Ferdinand has still to pen a new deal with the club and United's current turmoil, following Malcolm Glazer's takeover, has led to speculation of a deal for the England defender.
Madrid said today on their official website, realmadrid.com: "In the past few days, in some areas of the media, especially British, there has been speculation about the supposed interest of the club to contract the services of this player."
"As a result Real Madrid have been in contact with Manchester United to assure them there is absolutely no interest in Rio Ferdinand or any other member of the squad coached by Alex Ferguson."
