Silvestre, Park extend United contracts

MANCHESTER, England, Aug 11 (Reuters) Manchester United said today that defender Mikael Silvestre and midfielder Park Ji-sung have both extended their contracts.

French international Silvestre, who came to United in 1999, has signed for a further two years until 2009. South Korean Park, who joined United in July 2005, has signed for another year until 2010.

Manager Alex Ferguson told the club's website: ''Mikael has been an important member of the squad for seven years now. His experience at the club will help the younger players as they develop and he has a central role to play in the first team.'' He added: ''Ji-sung has had an impressive first year and I'm pleased to have secured him to the end of the decade at least.'' REUTERS DKA RAI2347