MURPHY SIGNS LONG-TERM DEAL

MURPHY SIGNS LONG-TERM DEAL

Midfielder commits his future to United by signing until 2019...

We are delighted to confirm that midfielder Luke Murphy has signed a new four-year deal with the club.

Murphy, whose contract was due to expire next summer, has shown a significant commitment to the club by taking a considerable wage reduction to sign until 2019.

The midfielder recently picked up a knee injury which looks set to rule him out for pre-season, but the club believes he has already proved his worth on the pitch and he will undergo the necessary treatment to ensure a speedy recovery.

The 25-year-old, a nominee for last season’s Player of the Year award, joined from Crewe Alexandra in 2013 and since has established himself as a key figure at Elland Road with 72 United appearances to his name.

2014/15 saw him play a starring role in the side’s resurgence during the second half of the campaign, with crucial goals against Birmingham, Bournemouth and Reading only underling his value to the team.

Murphy said: “There wasn’t really much to think about – I’m really happy here.

“I’ve obviously had ups and downs but towards the end of last season I really started to feel at home. The atmosphere in pre-season is really positive.

“I started to feel as though I was playing my best football here and hopefully that can continue.

“I want to repay the faith shown in me by performing on the pitch.

“Hopefully I’ll be able to do that in the next four seasons and get this club back to where it belongs in the Premier League.

“The signings that have come in already this summer have shown real intent of what we’re about and what we’re hoping to achieve in the near future.”

Head coach Uwe Rosler added: “I’m a big admirer of Luke, I’ve said that a few times. He finished the season very strong and we have high hopes for him this season.

“A lot of people don’t see this side but Mr Cellino has stuck by a player who is basically injured and going into the last year of his contract. That is a big statement from the owner.

“He proved his worth to the club before and we’ve offered him a new contract. That’s the way football should work.

“I’m very happy that he’s signed and I’m looking forward to working with him very much.

“It’s a real statement by the player and the club, and that augurs well for a positive future for both parties.”

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