New deal for Pique

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 initially signed as a trainee last summer, much 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 an eventual successor to record signing Rio Ferdinand.