Will Park`s career season lead to a new contract with United?

A new milestone for Korean players, a berth in the UEFA Champions League final, and a contract extension.

Can anything get better for Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-sung? He had a goal and an assist in his team`s 4-2 victory over Blackpool FC Sunday in the season finale.

Streaking down the left wing, Park kicked the ball off a pass from teammate Dimitar Berbatov slightly over the goalkeeper to score in the 21st minute. The Korean then made his season`s sixth assist to Anderson in the 62nd minute when Blackpool was leading 2-1.

Two minutes later, he was replaced with Michael Owen.

Park finished the league season with eight goals and six assists, breaking the Korean offensive mark in the Premier League of 13 points that had been set last year by Lee Chung-yong (five goals and eight assists) of the Bolton Wanderers.

Park also topped his personal best set last season of four goals and one assist. Given his thigh injury early this year that kept him sidelined for 100 days, his new mark is considered a commendable achievement.

The midfielder might have played against Blackpool to prepare for the UEFA Champions League final against FC Barcelona of Spain at Wembley Stadium in London Saturday. He did not play for two weeks after playing against Chelsea FC on May 9 and could lose his touch after sitting out for three weeks until May 29.

United coach Sir Alex Ferguson had him train to regain his touch and saved his stamina by replacing him in the second half. With Park`s goal and assist in the season finale showed that he retained his offensive touch, Ferguson is likely to play him in the Champions League final.

Joining United in July 2005, Park will likely renew his contract with the team that expires after next season. While other key players have received extensions, the team`s failure to give him an extension sparked rumors of a transfer.

Given his career performance this season and strong play in big games, however, chances are that his contract will be renewed.

creating@donga.com