Gibson agrees new deal

Report by Ben Hibbs

Darron Gibson has agreed a three-year contract extension at Old Trafford and is aiming to challenge for regular first-team involvement.

The new deal keeps the 21-year-old Republic of Ireland international at the club until at least June 2012.

"I am very happy to commit my future to United," Darron told ManUtd.com.

"Last season I enjoyed every opportunity and when I got my chance I wanted to prove what I could do. I hope to continue that this season."

Gibson made 14 appearances for the Reds last season, playing an integral part in United's Carling Cup triumph. He also scored three goals, including an outstanding long-distance effort against Hull City on the final day of the league season.

Sir Alex Ferguson says Gibson expects even more from the Irish central midfielder this season.

"Darron was one of the young players who emerged last season as a United first-team player," he told us.

"His appearance ratio did not really reflect the high regard in which we hold him, as he has constantly worked hard to challenge for a first team spot."

08/09 Review: Gibson

Has anyone else noticed how United’s central midfielders have all started to play a bit like Paul Scholes?

Darron Gibson, for one, is clearly taking notes from the little master on the training ground: playing with his head up, dropping to receive the ball on the half-turn, the measured passes, the sweetly timed shots… they’re all there.

It should be said, though, that Gibson has ample natural gifts of his own and, as much as anyone, he profited from a run in the Carling Cup last season, making five starts (including the final) and securing a piece of silverware in his debut term in the first team.

Add goals against Southampton and Derby in the FA Cup, and it’s no wonder he was given league cameos against Stoke and Fulham as he raced up the midfield learning curve.

Gibbo also made two Champions League appearances and his thumping winner on the final day at Hull was the highlight of his season.

The young Irishman has been around the first-team squad for a while but this was his breakthrough season. Expect him to feature on Sir Alex's teamsheet increasingly over the next couple of years...

28. Darron Gibson

Republic of Ireland international Darron Gibson is an athletic midfielder who packs a powerful shot.

'Gibbo' has been in and around the first team for several seasons but it was in the 2008/09 campaign that he made a real breakthrough.

He scored his first goal for the seniors in the FA Cup win at Southampton in January 2009 and also played every game of the Reds' triumphant Carling Cup campaign, in which his composure and passing ability drew comparisons with Michael Carrick.

Darron made his first-team debut the day after his 18th

birthday, as a second-half substitute in the Carling Cup victory over Barnet in October 2005.

Gibson was a regular fixture in United's reserves that season (2005/06), making 19 appearances and scoring two goals in a campaign that yielded three trophies.

Darron's development was furthered in 2006/07 by a loan spell at Royal Antwerp. Although initially hampered by a knee injury, the midfielder made a big impact in Belgium, helping Antwerp almost to gain promotion.

Promotion to the top flight was also the target for Gibson's next loan period, this time in England with Wolves. The Irish midfielder joined Mick McCarthy's team in October 2007 and stayed for six months, making 24 appearances and scoring one goal, although Wolves just missed out on the play-offs.

Derry-born Gibson represented Northern Ireland at youth level but subsequently opted to play for the Republic of Ireland, making his international debut in August 2007, and is now a regular for his country.

Gibson aims high

Darron Gibson says his match-winning goal at Hull was the perfect way to cap a memorable season for the young midfielder.

Gibson’s 25-yard screamer gave an under-strength United side all three points at the KC Stadium in what was the Irishman’s 14th appearance of the 2008/09 campaign.

“This season has been brilliant for me,” he told MUTV. “I’ve got a lot of experience and played a lot more games than I thought I would.

"I’ve really enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to next season where I’ll try and push for a regular spot in the first-team. That’s the aim.”

Gibson’s rattled in a number of long-distance efforts for the Reserves over the last few years, but he admits his strike on Sunday topped them all.

“It’s my first in the Premier League, so it’s probably my best,” he said.

The Irishman's goal was all that separated the sides on a day when Sir Alex made 10 changes to the team that drew 0-0 against Arsenal at Old Trafford eight days earlier.

But it was far from a meaningless fixture: Hull were fighting for top-flight survival, while United's youngsters all had points to prove.

Gibson said: “[The win at Hull] showed there’s good strength and depth in the squad and the young lads are good enough to come in and do a job in any game.”

And while Gibson's unlikely to feature in Wednesday's Champions League final in Rome, he will be travelling with the squad and revealed spirits are high in the United camp.

"Everyone’s looking forward to the match. Hopefully we can go out there, play well and get a result."

Gibson aims high

Darron Gibson says his match-winning goal at Hull was the perfect way to cap a memorable season for the young midfielder.

Gibson’s 25-yard screamer gave an under-strength United side all three points at the KC Stadium in what was the Irishman’s 14th appearance of the 2008/09 campaign.

“This season has been brilliant for me,” he told MUTV. “I’ve got a lot of experience and played a lot more games than I thought I would. I’ve really enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to next season where I’ll try and push for a regular spot in the first-team. That’s the aim.”

Gibson’s rattled in a number of long-distance efforts for the Reserves over the last few years, but he admits his strike on Sunday topped them all.

“It’s my first in the Premier League, so it’s probably my best,” he said.

The Irishman's goal was all that separated the sides on a day when Sir Alex made 10 changes to the team that drew 0-0 against Arsenal at Old Trafford eight days earlier. But it was far from a meaningless fixture: Hull were fighting for top-flight survival, while United's youngsters all had points to prove.

Gibson said: “[The win at Hull] showed there’s good strength and depth in the squad and the young lads are good enough to come in and do a job in any game.”

And while Gibson's unlikely to feature in Wednesday's Champions League final in Rome, he will be travelling with the squad and revealed spirits are high in the United camp.

"Everyone’s looking forward to the match. Hopeflly we can go out there, play well and get a result."

Darron Gibson

Date of birth: 25.10.1987
Country: Republic of Ireland
Position: Midfield