Foster signs new United contract

Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster has signed a contract extension that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2013, it was announced.

It is a welcome boost for the 26-year-old, whose career has been hampered by injury.

He missed the end of last season after needing surgery on a ruptured ligament in his right thumb.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: "We are delighted that Ben has signed a new four-year deal.

"Ben is seen as one of the best young goalkeepers in England and we genuinely see him as a successor to Edwin van der Sar"

Foster was forced to miss the title run-in and the Champions League final defeat by Barcelona because of his injury. He also sat out England's World Cup qualifiers in June.

He remains determined to claim the number one spot when Van der Sar decides to retire but knows he faces stiff competition from Tomasz Kuszczak.

Foster said: "I'm really happy to commit my future to the club.

The spirit here is fantastic and working along side Edwin and Tomasz has been a great influence."

Foster has made only 10 appearances for United since arriving in July 2005 from Stoke.

However, he took his chance on the big stage in March when his penalty shoot-out heroics helped the club defeat Tottenham and lift the Carling Cup.

It took Foster almost three years to make his competitive United debut - he was outstanding in a 1-0 win over Derby in 2008.

No sooner had he arrived at United than he was farmed out to Watford and helped them win promotion to the Premier League.

He stayed at Vicarage Road the following season and made his debut for England in the 1-0 defeat against Spain in a friendly at Old Trafford in 2007.

Foster then returned to United but had to undergo cruciate knee ligament surgery, ruling him out for almost a year.