Date:16/5

This will keep Ryan and Tim at the club until June 2008 and June 2009 respectively.

Sir Alex Ferguson said: "Ryan has been a fantastic servant and it is comforting to know that he will be here for another three years, possibly ending his career at United.

"To think Ryan joined as a 13-year-old boy and to be at a club for twenty years is unique in this era."

"Tim is a young gifted goalkeeper who is progressing all the time and needs experience playing in our league.

"This extended contract gives Tim the opportunity to progress in his career."

Ryan Giggs said: "I have been here since I was a young boy and I have grown very fond of the club and the fans, they have been an integral part of my life.

"I always wanted to stay and I am happy that everything has worked out."

Tim Howard said: "I have enjoyed my time so far with Manchester United, but you recognise you are always learning.

"The fans here are amazing and I am happy to be committing my future to the club. I look forward to enjoying a successful time with United."

Communications Department, Old Trafford, 16 May 2005

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Date:5/10

Giggs was eligible to play for England after representing them at schoolboy level but the Cardiff-born player instead chose his native country.

Now he has the chance to inflict misery on Sven-Goran Eriksson's side on his return to action from a two-match international suspension which ruled him out of the games with Azerbaijan and Northern Ireland last month.

Birmingham midfielder Savage, who is himself banned after his red card against Northern Ireland last month, said: "For years Ryan has had to face questions like 'why didn't you choose to play for England?' because he would have no chance of playing in a major tournament.

"But that's like an insult to us Welsh lads. Now Ryan has the opportunity with the other boys on the field to make it count against England when it really matters.

"I'm confident he will be really on song which could be bad news for England because everyone knows what he is capable of. When Giggsy is at his best, he is someone who can be unstoppable."

Savage is also confident Wales have the quality to score against England and their defensive performance holds the key to whether they can pull off a shock result in the first meeting between the nations for 20 years.

He said: "I think the most important thing for us is how well we defend. I think we can score. (John) Hartson, (Craig) Bellamy, Giggs, (Simon) Davies will score against anyone in the world.

"If we can defend well then I think we'll win the game. That is the key."

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