Evans contract confirmed

Jonny Evans is the latest young player to commit his next four years to United.

The Northern Ireland international has now signed a new contract to keep him at Old Trafford until at least June 2014.

Sir Alex Ferguson expressed his joy at the news in a club press statement:

"We are delighted Jonny has signed a new contract. Jonny has risen through the United ranks to become an integral part of the first-team squad, he is an intelligent defender and has been excellent in the central defensive positions at key times during the season."

Jonny Evans said:

“I am delighted to have signed a new contract. I’ve supported Manchester United all my life and it’s a great honour to be able to continue to wear the badge of this great club. I’d like to thank the staff, players and fans for their continued support in my development.”

Rio: Get ready for final twist

RIO FERDINAND has turned up the heat on Chelsea by claiming there could be one final twist in a season of shocks.

The Manchester United defender is desperately hoping unfancied Wigan can halt the Blues' title charge at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Nobody is giving Roberto Martinez's men much of a chance, but Ferdinand points out it has been a 'weird' season in the top flight.

And he hopes that means there could yet be another surprise in one of the most dramatic title races in recent memory.

The England defender, who turned out in a testimonial at his old club West Ham this week, hopes to play some part against Stoke as he returns from groin and back problems.

And he carried on the mind games with the Blues by pointing out that shocks have been commonplace.

He said: "It's been an exciting season. More so-called lesser teams on paper have been taking points off the top four.

"In previous seasons it's been a case of the big teams beating all the others and then dropping points against each other. It's been a weird season. Hopefully that'll bode well for Chelsea's game."

Ferdinand's team-mate Edwin van der Sar admits it will be strange going into the final game with their fate out of their hands after being champions for the past three years.

But the Dutchman knows the mood at Old Trafford could change very quickly if they hear some positive news from West London.

He said: "It is very strange. In the last three years we have been in command. Now we have to wait.

"It is going to be difficult. We have lost a lot of games this year but we are still in there. Hopefully Wigan will go for it on Sunday and we will hear some positive news."

If they do not make it and the title goes to Chelsea, at least Van der Sar knows he will get another go at it.

The 39-year-old admits he has surprised himself by extending his stay at Old Trafford for a sixth season - but could not be happier.

He said: "I still believed I was doing enough to play for a bigger team but you need someone to take a gamble, which Sir Alex did.

"At the time I was 34 so I didn't expect to be here six years. I thought I'd be at United for two years and then go and do something else. Instead I am steadily trying to reach my testimonial!"

Glazers snub £1.5bn Utd bid

THE RED KNIGHTS' hopes of a Manchester United takeover suffered a hammer blow last night as it was claimed the Glazer family have already rejected a £1.5billion bid.

The group of wealthy United fans were understood to be planning a £1.2bn offer for the club this summer.

But news of the Glazers' reluctance to accept a higher offer, believed to be from a Middle East consortium last year, is a massive stumbling block.

United supporters have shown their discontent for the Glazer regime with their 'green and gold' protests at Old Trafford this season.

Fans are unhappy with the lack on investment in the team, especially after Cristiano Ronaldo's world record £80million sale to Real Madrid last year.

Boss Alex Ferguson last week said he did not expect to splash out in the transfer window.

Supporters are also worried by the club's spiralling debts which stand at over £700million.

Many hoped the protests would pile pressure on the American owners and force them into selling the Premier League champions.

However, the Glazer family have remained defiant and have always said they wanted to keep hold of the club.

As well as the £1.5bn bid, it is also claimed that the Glazers have rejected a number of other offers in excess of £1bn during recent months.