Ferguson signs new three-year deal

Internal links

Beckham runs riot as Nantes torn apart

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has signed a new three-year contract, the club confirmed today.

Ferguson, 60, who is United's most successful manager, had planned to retire when his current contract ended in the summer,

But he approached the club earlier this year with a view to extending his stay.

After three weeks of negotiations, the club confirmed this morning that he had signed a new contract which will keep him at Old Trafford until June 30, 2005.

Confirmation of the deal came after Ferguson, who was appointed United manager in 1986, watched his side cruise to a 5-1 victory over French champions Nantes in the European Champions League last night.

The contract is reported to be worth £3.5 million-a-year, making Ferguson the best paid boss in English football.