Paul Scholes has agreed a new one-year contract at Manchester United. Scholes, who turns 34 in November, will now remain at Old Trafford until at least June 2010.

The new contract is a bold show of faith from Sir Alex Ferguson, the manager, as the former England midfielder continues to recover from a knee injury that is expected to keep him out for ten weeks.

Ferguson expressed his delight at the deal, with Scholes, who has been involved in eight Premier League title wins and finally got his hands on the Champions League trophy in May after missing the 1999 triumph through suspension, extending an Old Trafford connection that dates back two decades.

"Paul is proof that if you look after yourself you can carry on playing and be rewarded at a club of this size," he said.

"He is 34 now and he has been here since he was 14. That tells you the desire and the ability he has to stay at the top."

Scholes, who has overcome a serious eye injury that three years ago threatened his career, expressed his satisfaction at remaining with what seems certain to be his only professional club.

"It is great to sign a new deal," he said. "Last season was fantastic but you always want to achieve more and with this team we are capable of doing just that."

Darren Fletcher has also signed a new deal that will keep him at Old Trafford for a further three seasons. Although he has rarely been a member of Ferguson's first-choice side, he is an invaluable figure in the United squad.

"Darren is in the same vein as Paul, Ryan Giggs and Wes Brown in that he is a long-serving member of the team," Ferguson said. "His consistency and level-headed approach is a great attribute and we are all delighted he has signed a new contract."

Fletcher added: "When you play at such a great club with a great team you always want to be a part of that. The spirit here is amazing and I am happy that I can play my part in achieving more success."