Park set to extend stay with Man Utd

Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-Sung is set to extend his contract at Old Trafford for a further two years, Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed.

Park, 30, retired from international football after January's Asian Cup in Qatar in order to prolong his club career. And the reward is a contract extension Ferguson expects to be a mere formality.

"We have offered him a new contract and I am sure he will sign it," said Ferguson.

"His career at United has been nothing but excellent. He is a tremendous professional. I am sure he will accept the new offer and tie himself down at the club for the next two years."

Park's current contract is due to expire in 2012 and many tipped the South Korean to depart United this summer along with Wes Brown and John O'Shea, who have both since moved on to Sunderland. However, the midfielder stated his intention to remain in Manchester last week.

He told the Sunday Mirror: "There's no truth at all that I would leave United - I want to stay here and I have no reason to leave. I would like to stay here for life, of course - why not? It's the best club in the world."

Ferguson also confirmed he expects the recovering Darren Fletcher to be part of his squad again by the time United return to England on July 31.

Meanwhile, Ferguson says new signing David de Gea will make his United debut in Saturday's friendly with MLS side Chicago Fire at Soldier Field. The 20-year-old goalkeeper was a late arrival on tour after a successful European Under-21 Championship campaign for Spain.

He has trained with his new team-mates for three days now and Ferguson wants to see how he performs in a match environment, believing the £18 million signing from Atletico Madrid may draw comparisons to Chelsea's Petr Cech.

"David de Gea will start on Saturday," said Ferguson. "He has had a few days' training now and has done fine. Being young and coming into the English game, the one area we are not sure about is that he may need time.

"On the other hand, he might do what Petr Cech did at Chelsea and take it by storm. Cech came into the Chelsea team and has never been out of it. David has similar qualities. He has terrific composure for a young man. He is quick. His use of the ball is excellent.

"There are good ingredients there. Hopefully that shows itself as we get into the season."

Source: msn