Wayne Welcomes Team-mate Deals

Wayne Rooney is delighted that colleagues Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher will remain at United after signing new contracts.

The United striker, who extended his own stay at Old Trafford earlier this season, welcomed the news when he spoke to MUTV on Friday.

“It’s great news," said Rooney. "They have been great players for the team and have been very consistent for us over the last few years. It is always nice to see players sign new contracts because it’s a big boost for the team.”

Carrick and Fletcher add their names to a growing list of United players to sign on the dotted line this season, following Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra, Ryan Giggs, Anderson and Rooney. With a smile, Rooney rues the fact a certain Dutchman could not be persuaded to follow suit.

“It’s great to see all the lads sign new deals but unfortunately Edwin hasn't. We would like him to sign a new deal but obviously he has made his decision and we respect that.”

Carrick and Fletcher’s renewed commitment to the cause is a timely tonic as the Reds look to recover from the disappointment of defeat at Chelsea in the Barclays Premier League. Rooney says that result must swiftly be forgotten if Sir Alex Ferguson’s side are to bounce back and beat Liverpool on Sunday:

"I thought we played well at Chelsea," he said. "I didn’t think we deserved to lose the game and to concede the winning goal the way we did was disappointing.

“But we have to move on from that now and try to get three points at Liverpool. You can’t change the Chelsea result so we have to concentrate and focus on what we are going to do this weekend at Anfield. We’ve had to work on a few things in training and we’ll make sure we get it right.”