The England defender has agreed a five-year deal, which will keep him at Old Trafford until June 2013 and Ferguson feels the Peckham-born player is just the man to spur United on to greater glory after clinching a tenth Premier League title.

"Rio has matured into his role at the club," said the United boss. "He has shown, when needed, what a great captain and leader he can be."

He added: "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.

"His partnership with (Nemanja) Vidic has been an important part of our success. You can see that from the fact we conceded only 22 goals in the league. It is a fantastic performance by them."

Ferdinand, a £30million buy from Leeds in June 2002, could end his career at United.

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

"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."