The 29-year-old finally put pen to paper on a new contract in the week the club retained the Premier League title with victory over Wigan.

"To be able to stay at Manchester United for another five years is something I wanted desperately," Ferdinand said. "This is a fantastic club and I am definitely very happy after signing a new contract."

He added: "You see the surroundings, training every day at Carrington and playing in front of 70,000-odd fans every week, what more could you ask for?

"It is a great honour to be part of this trophy winning team and to share in the success, which I am sure, will continue for many seasons to come.

"I would like to thank the manager, the coaching staff, the players and the fans for the tremendous support they have given me since I joined the club."

United conceded only 22 league goals in the campaign largely thanks to Ferdinand's partnership with Nemanja Vidic.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson is delighted with the way Ferdinand has developed after signing him from Leeds for £30million in July 2002.

Not only that the Scot was pleased with the way the contract negotiations were finalised with a minimum of fuss.

Ferguson said: "The longer Rio has been here, the better he has become. He is a natural athlete and technically a very good player. If you add that to the experience he has already gained then you get a better player."