Manchester United Set To Agree Defender Deal

Rio Ferdinand likely to stay at Old Trafford, despite reports this morning he was on his way out.

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has moved to clear the air, stating that his relationship with Rio Ferdinand was back to normal – and that the former Leeds defender could be the recipient of a new contract offer shortly.

Ferguson had accused Ferdinand of embarrassing him after the player refused to wear a ‘Kick It Out’ anti-racism T-shirt in the warm-up prior to the 4-2 home win over Stoke City on Saturday.

But any tension between the two appeared to have thawed by Monday, with Ferguson hinting that the 33-year-old player could even be offered a new contract when his current deal expires at the end of the season.

“I think Rio could play for another two or three years,” said Ferguson at his press conference in Manchester ahead of the club’s Champions League game with Portuguese side Braga at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

“He’s not as quick as he was but that’s not a problem for me. There’s no reason why he can’t stay on for another year.”

“We have always adopted that policy of offering one-year contracts, so we will see as the season progresses.

“I didn’t even realise his contract was up. You are making me panic!”