• Premier League

Ferguson hints at new United deal for Ferdinand

ESPN staff
March 26, 2012
Rio Ferdinand still has a role to play at Manchester United, according to Sir Alex Ferguson © PA Photos
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Sir Alex Ferguson has left the door ajar for Rio Ferdinand to win a new deal at Manchester United.

Ferdinand has been at Old Trafford for a decade, but is no longer guaranteed a regular start as Ferguson said earlier in the season that the defender had lost a yard of pace.

The England international also has to contend with a back problem, but he has impressed his boss with the way he has been managing his problems and a new contract could be on the cards - despite reported interest from clubs in China.

"It is all down to how he feels physically himself," Ferguson said with regard to Ferdinand's long-term future at United. "What he is doing at the moment is good.

"From time to time he gets the odd tweak in his back, we have to treat it and manage it. In normal terms you would expect a centre back with his athleticism to play well into his mid-30s.

"If you look at last week I did not want to play him against Bilbao, he came in with Jones calling off with the flu. He came through that and Sunday also and he is adapting to the challenge of being fit and well to play the games we need him."

Ferguson is also impressed with the role the 33-year-old has taken on within the squad. He said: "He has taken on that influential role in the dressing room, he is great with the players in the dressing room."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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