Youngster Pique pens new United deal

MANCHESTER UNITED have confirmed Spanish defender Gerard Pique has signed a new contract to keep him at Old Trafford until June 2009.

The 18-year-old signed as a trainee last summer, to the annoyance of former club Barcelona, but has already confirmed some of the potential that persuaded Alex Ferguson to push through the deal.

Pique has made three first team appearances already this term, including a first senior start in the FA Cup draw with Exeter, and Ferguson sees him as a successor to Rio Ferdinand.