Gibson hopeful of new United deal

MANCHESTER UNITED midfielder Darron Gibson expects to hold talks with the club over a new deal in the summer.

The 23-year-old Republic of Ireland international, who has just over a year to run on his current contract, admits he would be happy to pledge his long-term future to the club.

United have recently secured Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick on fresh terms and Gibson is ready to sit down and discuss an extension at the end of the season.

Gibson’s future at United has been the subject of conjecture with Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni calling on the player to leave Old Trafford in search of regular first-team football to boost his international aspirations.

However, Gibson insists he has no plans to leave United and has vowed to fight for a place in Alex Ferguson’s side.

“My contract ends in 2012 and although there have been no talks at the minute I am not too worried about,” Gibson said yesterday. “I think they will maybe in the summer sit down and have a chat about a new deal and I am confident I can get one. I have no plans to leave Manchester United.’’

Meanwhile Gibson’s United team-mate Michael Carrick says it hurts that he does not possess a FA Cup winners’ medal — something he is determined to put right this season.

United have won plenty of trophies since Carrick arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2006 but their most recent triumph in the FA Cup came in 2004.

Carrick was part of the team beaten in the final four years ago by Chelsea and the 29-year-old is eager to get his hands on the only club honour still to evade him.

“There is a good chunk of us (in the United squad) who haven’t won the FA Cup, so we are desperate to progress,” said Carrick.

“I was fortunate enough to play in a final at Wembley when I played against Chelsea in 2007 but we lost so my memories are not too fond.

“I think that goes for a lot of our squad. That’s why we are so keen to get to Wembley and win this time. A lot of us are missing that medal and we want one.”

United are in quarter-final action tomorrow when they host Arsenal, who were dumped out of the Champions League earlier this week at the hands of Barcelona.

The Gunners are United’s closest challengers at the top of the Barclays Premier League and Carrick is expecting a pulsating cup tie between the two sides.

“Arsenal are obviously a very talented midfield. They showed against Barcelona in the first leg (which they won 2-1) how good they can be,” Carrick said.

“We have always had good games against them and pretty close games. They are usually good footballing games and I am sure it can be one the fans will savour.’’