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Sir Alex Ferguson: "Rio Ferdinand should not worry"

By Liam Power, Reporter | 26 January 2013

Sir Alex Ferguson thinks that Rio Ferdinand has the ability to emulate Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes by playing well into his late thirties.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is adamant that Rio Ferdinand should not worry about his future at Old Trafford despite being out of contract at the end of the season.

Ferguson has adopted a policy of offering senior players one-year extensions in recent seasons and is expected to hand Ferdinand a similar deal to experienced duo Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes.

The 34-year-old has been with United since 2002 and Ferguson believes that Ferdinand is proving that he has longevity with an impressive season for the Red Devils.

He said: "Rio has had a great season. Obviously he doesn't play every game but we prepare him for certain situations.

"Defenders, if they look after themselves, should have longer than Giggs and Scholes because they don't have the mileage on the clock that midfield or wide players have.

"There is nothing wrong with us giving players one-year contracts. Players with the reputation and ability of Giggs, Scholes and Ferdinand should not worry about that. It is quite straightforward."

Ferdinand has made 20 appearances for United so far this season.