"It's an honour to represent this club" - Chong extends United contract

Manchester United have today confirmed that Tahith Chong has signed a new two-year deal with the club, with his current contract set to expire in the summer. Having been heavily linked with a move to top clubs in Serie A and La Liga, the 20-year-old has committed to United.

Speaking with the club’s official website, Chong has claimed he is honoured to play for United and wants to stay here for years to come.

When I joined Manchester United as a youngster, it was a dream come true. It is an honour every time I pull on the shirt and represent this club. I am working hard every day to improve and I know this is the perfect environment to develop my game. The opportunity to learn from the manager, his coaching staff and the world-class players here is fantastic. I am delighted to sign this new contract and really grateful for the chance to prove myself here for many years to come.

It means everything to me really. To still be able to play for this amazing club and still be here, I need to keep working hard to keep developing. I think, during the season, I’m so focused on the football side of it. Whatever comes of it, you put it to the side and try to focus on the football really. But it is good to finally clear it all up.

I’m at a club where, if you work hard, you get your opportunities. It’s all about taking those opportunities as well. I think we’ve got a manager who believes in young players. It’s an exciting time at the moment.

I speak to the manager and everyone around the club to look to what is best for you to do,” he added. “I think the club is coming in with a brilliant plan and it is just exciting to see what’s going to happen next year. The club has done a fantastic job really with the young players. It’s always been a club that gives opportunities to youngsters. This year it has been amazing the faith and trust that the manager has been showing in the young players.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also shared his happiness at securing the future of the talented youngster.

Tahith works extremely hard every day and he is constantly improving. His performances this season, whether for the first team or Under-23s, are testament to his hard work, dedication and to his character. We are pleased with the progress he has made since he stepped up from the Academy and are looking forward to continuing to develop his talent. Tahith has great potential; given his age, ability and work-ethic, we can see that he has a bright future at Manchester United.

Earlier today, Chong’s agent, Erkan Alkan, explained why the player opted to snub the interest from elsewhere. “There was a lot of interest, we talked to big clubs, but Manchester United came up with a good plan for Tahith,” he said. “He likes to stay with the club that brought him from the Netherlands.”