Fergie delight at Rio deal

New deal for United defender

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 16th April 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Fergie delight at Rio deal

Ferdinand: Excelled this season

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Sir Alex Ferguson is delighted to have tied Rio Ferdinand down to a new five-year contract.

The Manchester United defender's agent Pini Zahavi revealed on Tuesday that the centre-half had agreed an extension on his current deal which will keep him at Old Trafford for the foreseeable future.

An integral part of a United defence which has been breached just 18 times in the Premier League this season, Ferdinand's decision to stay has come as a welcome relief to his manager.

Ferguson feels that the England international has been crucial in the Red Devils' quest for domestic and European glory this season, and has displayed commendable leadership qualities whenever he has been handed the captain's armband.

Encouraging

"He's on the point of signing a new contract and we're very happy about that," the United boss told Sky Sports News.

"But we always try and get everyone, all the players on longer contracts so we're not chasing things, and sometimes we maybe slip up but not often.

"They are all crucial, but Rio's been playing a fantastic part this season.

"A lot of times he has been captain when Ryan hasn't been available or when we've rested Ryan, and he's done very well then too so these are all encouraging things."