Manchester United have triggered an extension in Tahith Chong's contract, tying him down to Old Trafford for an extra year.
The midfielder has impressed this season out on loan at EFL Championship side Birmingham City. The 22-year-old was approaching the final few months of his deal with United but they have now triggered the option that was available to them, to extend his stay by another season.
It means Chong is contracted to United until the summer of 2023. The 22-year-old has scored once and assisted two goals in 16 appearances for his temporary employers in a campaign heavily interrupted by a four-month lay-off due to groin surgery.
Speaking about his long spell on the sidelines and his eventual return, he said: "It is tough mentally, I was just very happy – even when I came out the stadium was full and I have not had that for a couple of months, it was exciting. I have come back, the changing room is almost completely different there is new players, some I knew already some I didn’t – and we are getting used to each other. We have got good players and hopefully we can just keep building.”
Last month Chong took to social media to clarify the situation following reports of a knifepoint robbery at his home. A report in The Sun claimed that the United youngster was "robbed at knifepoint" after "masked raiders" broke into his home at 3am. The robbers are said to have stolen thousands of pounds worth of possessions - including jewellery, watches and designers bags - and "held a blade" to Chong's throat. They are also alleged to have mocked the Dutch winger over his lack of security.
In response to the reports, Chong posted on social media: "Good morning to everyone. Yesterday there was a report that came out as terrifying as the article may sound, I am doing fine and this was a few months back, so not as some reported last night. Thankyou for all the messages."
United signed Chong when he was 16 from Feyenoord in 2016 and he made his debut against Reading in the FA Cup third round in January 2019.. He has made a total of 16 senior appearances for United, his last one coming in the Europa League back in August 2020.
News of Chong's extension came on the same day that United announced Bruno Fernandes has also penned fresh terms.
A statement on their website said: " Manchester United is delighted to announce that Bruno Fernandes has signed a new contract, which will keep him at the club until June 2026, with the option to extend for a further year. The Portugal international has contributed 49 goals and 39 assists in just 117 games for United. Fernandes, who has already won the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award twice, has created more chances than any other United player since joining the club in January 2020."
