United delight at Giggs deal

Manchester United chief executive David Gill has confirmed his contract negotiations with Ryan Giggs were among the easiest he has ever carried out.

Only three weeks after Giggs confirmed tentative talks had begun over an extension to his present deal, talks have reached a successful conclusion, and the winger's new contract will keep him at Old Trafford until 2009, extending his first-team career with the Red Devils to an incredible 18 years.

For Gill, such longevity is worthy of praise in itself, and he told MUTV: "They were not the most difficult negotiations. In the modern-day game, someone who is loyal to the club - from junior to senior ranks - and who has 18 trophies is very important."

He added: "Quite rightly, he is respected through the game - with what he has achieved, and how he has achieved it.

"Everyone can recognise that he is a true gentleman and a true ambassador for this great game and this great club."