Irwin signs new United contract

Denis Irwin is in line for a money-spinning testimonial at Manchester United after he agreed a new one-year contract with the club.

Irwin, whose old deal expired in the summer, put pen to paper yesterday after two months of negotiations. The new agreement qualifies the 33-year-old for a testimonial next year, but he claims he has not thought about that yet.

"It's a great deal for me and I hope the club feel the same," beamed Irwin, who joined United from Oldham in June 1990.

"I didn't start talking to the chairman until the end of November because I wanted to make sure I was still in the team.

"People are already talking about a testimonial, but I'm not yet looking that far ahead. I'm more concerned with this season. We're going well this year on three fronts and I'm really focused on the present."

United manager Alex Ferguson is short of left-footed defenders and he was delighted to secure Irwin's services for another season.

"We're very pleased to get Denis for another year," he said. "He's been a fantastic servant and has been the most consistent player in my time at Old Trafford.

"He's a steady lad, never up and down, and therefore saves all his energies for the football field."