“Ryan will be part of my team next season, there is no question about that,” said Ferguson. “You look at the way he has played this year and there is no sign of him going over the top.
“Nine titles is a fantastic achievement. No-one else in English football has won so many and all the players have been giving him special attention because of it.
“I don’t know if anyone else will do it. I hope another Manchester United player can but it won’t be in my time.
“He may be 33 now but he looks after himself and doesn’t carry any weight, which is bound to help.
“But you do start to look at players and wonder how long they can go. You have to keep an eye on them because you have to be aware that at some point they will no longer be able to do it because of age. It is very difficult.”
Ferguson also remarked: “Players with intelligence can change their games.
“Ryan has always utilised his change of pace. He is obviously not as quick as he was 10 years ago but he is still quick.”
