MANCHESTER. England. May ,4: Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson on Tuesday signed a new three-year deal that will keep him at the English Premiership club until July 2002. reports AFP.

"The board of Manchester United plc is delighted to announce that it has reached agreement with Alex Ferguson on a new three-year contract commencing July 1. 1999, until June 30, 2002," read a club statement.

"Mr Ferguson was appointed by the club in November 1986 and has been the most successful manager in English football during the 1990s. The terms of the new contract reflect his success and his importance to Manchester United."

Ferguson’s new contract follows a hugely successful season which sees United on course for an unprecedented treble.

United trail leaders Arsenal by a point but with a game in' hand in the English Premiership. they face Newcastle United in the FA Cup final on May 22 and Bayern Munich in the European Cup final on May 26.

Since replacing Ron Atkinson as United manager in 1986 Ferguson has won the Premiership four times, the FA Cup three times and the European Cup Winners' Cup.

The 57-year-old Scot expressed his delight at being given the deal.

"1 am delighted that the matter has been settled and that I have a contract which will take me to 60 years of age." he said. ,

"My hunger for success remains undiminished and I will be striving to ensure that the next three years are as successful as the last 13 have been."

United chairman Martin Edwards said: "To secure the services of Alex for a further three years is fantastic news for the club and all its supporters.'*