Fortune has been beset by injury Profile: Quinton Fortune

The South Africa international has only made 15 appearances for United this season after breaking his leg against Liverpool in December.

He returned in March and has now agreed a deal which will see him remain at Old Trafford until at least June 2006.

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"I am really pleased to have signed a new contract," said the 25-year-old.

"To be offered a new three-year deal is fantastic and I'm happy to be here at Manchester United. I can't wait for the new season to start.

"The beginning of the season was a nightmare for me. I had so many injuries.

We look forward to Quinton making a great contribution to the team in the next three years Sir Alex Ferguson

"It was the last season of my contract and I wanted to play as much as possible."

Fortune has failed to establish himself as a first-team regular since joining United in the summer of 1999, spending time in the reserves or on the substitutes' bench.

However, Sir Alex Ferguson has kept faith with the busy midfielder he signed from Atletico Madrid for �1.5m.

The United manager is keen to tie up most of his younger players on long-term contracts, with rising star John O'Shea set to be offered an improved deal after an excellent season.

Ferguson said: "We're delighted Quinton has agreed a new deal. He's been improving every year since he joined us and has shown great character to come back from his various injury problems.

"He has hopefully overcome them now and he's doing really well and we look forward to him making a great contribution to the team in the next three years."