Ferdinand’s current contract is set to expire at the end of next season, but Ferguson believes the defender can play on for years.
It is expected that the club would offer Ferdinand a reduced basic wages, but with bonuses for playing. The 33-year-old is currently earning £120,000 a week at Old Trafford.
Fergie said: “Rio’s still young for a centre-back. I think it’s all down to how he feels physically and what he is doing at the moment is good. He has no issues at all.
“I think from time to time he gets the odd tweak in his back and we have to manage it and look after it.
“He’s adapting really well to the challenge of making sure he is fit and fresh to play in the games where we need him.”
Fergie added: “I keep thinking I signed Rio three or four years ago. I forget he’s been here for almost 10 years.
“He has taken on the role of the influential person in the dressing room.
“He’s great with the other players, he’s simply brilliant.”
