Ferguson thrilled with Rio renewal
by Joseph Caron Dawe, 15 May 2008
Sir Alex Ferguson has expressed his relief and delight at Rio Ferdinand’s decision to put pen to paper on a new five-year deal at Old Trafford.
The Manchester United defender signed on the dotted line on Thursday after protracted talks over a new deal finally came to a conclusion.
The 29-year-old former Leeds and West Ham player and England international has capped a title-winning year by committing to the club until 2013, and Ferguson believes Ferdinand is showing all the signs of a mature mainstay.
“He’s been an important element in the club’s success this season, there’s no question of that,” said the Scot.
“When you see the 22 goals against us, it’s been a fantastic performance by him. So we are delighted, and happy with that.”
Ferguson added: “I think maturity and experience gives you that [improvement]. You expect that from a natural athlete.
“He is technically a very good player, and of course when you add that to the experience he gets as he gets older, then you’re getting a better player.”