Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says Rio Ferdinand has had his best season for the club and will sign a new deal at Old Trafford.
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Ferdinand was signed from Leeds in 2002 and has overcome long-standing injury problems to start more games than any other United centre back this term.
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The 34-year-old was also named in the Professional Footballers' Association Premier League team of the year.
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"Rio Ferdinand has had his best season at the club," Ferguson said.
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"We have had continual problems with the centre-backs being fit. Nemanja Vidic has missed half a season, Chris Smalling has missed most of the season, Phil Jones missed a good bit and Jonny Evans missed parts but Rio has managed his situation very well.
Rio Ferdinard has been fantastic for Man Utd in recent games. His defence skillz has been wonderful. Phil Jones is great too