Manchester United make big contract decision as Birmingham City get fitness boost

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Manchester United have triggered the one-year extension in the contract of Birmingham City loanee Tahith Chong. The 22-year-old has worked his way back into the Blues team after his early momentum was ended by a thigh injury.

He had been entering the final months of his existing deal but according to the Manchester Evening News United have taken up their option meaning he remains their player until June 2023. They could, of course, still sell him this summer, loan him out for a third successive season or take him into the fold at Carrington.

Chong has made 16 starts for Blues and has scored once and added two assists. However, it has been his committed performances and buy-in to the club that have impressed everyone as much as what he does in the attacking third.

Particularly given the fact he has had his season interrupted by a four-month lay-off due to surgery - an absence which coincided with Blues’ downturn. He returned a few weeks ago and scored within a few minutes of his first start at Bristol City.

United technical director Darren Fletcher name-checked Chong among the loanees the club was looking forward to reintegrating into the first-team squad during the pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia.

Lee Bowyer expects Manchester United to send Tahith Chong out on loan again next season. The Birmingham City manager is set to name Chong in his starting line-up for the 17th time this season when West Bromwich Albion visit St Andrew’s on Sunday.

He will do so after it emerged United have decided to trigger the option in Chong’s contract, which was due to expire in the summer. That clause means Chong remains a United player until June 2023 - unless