Manchester United defender Jonny Evans has agreed a new deal with the club which will keep him at Old Trafford till at least June 2016.

The 24-year-old Northern Irish defender has become an increasingly important figure at United in recent seasons and the new deal will come as positive news for manager Sir Alex Ferguson as well as the Old Trafford faithful.

“Jonny has risen through the ranks to become an integral part of the first team squad. He has developed into a top player for us and has scored a couple of important goals this season too. I am delighted he has signed a new contract,” the United boss told the clubs official website.

Evans made his United debut in the League Cup against Coventry City in 2007 and has gone on to make 141 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring four goals.

He spoke of his delight at the new deal saying, “I’m delighted to sign my new contract. I am so proud to play for such a great club, and there’s no better feeling than playing football in this team and winning games."

Players like Evans along with the likes of Chris Smalling, 23, and Phil Jones, 20, will be seen as the future of the club, with Rio Ferdinand and recently returned club captain Nemanja Vidic both now into their 30's.