Man United defender Ritchie de Laet has signed a new contract, which will see him at Old Trafford until 2012.
The 20-year old joined Man United from Stoke City January 2009 and since then he has made only two first team appearances for United.
"Alex Ferguson told me I'm very close to the first team," De Laet told the Sun. "There has been talk of me going out on loan but Sir Alex said I can't leave as he may need me. The new contract is a surprise and fantastic news."
Another Man United youngster Danny Welbeck is expected to sign a new contract soon.
