Sir Alex Ferguson has claimed that Rio Ferdinand can continuing playing for Manchester United for another two years.

The 33-year-old defender's future at Old Trafford had been in doubt after Ferguson said that he was no longer a first choice player at the club.

"I've got no thoughts of letting Rio go," said the Scot. "He's got a part to play. He's got experience and he's a big figure in our dressing room.

"The players look up to him, so that will continue. He can play for another couple of years, quite easily.

"He has been such a good player for us that it was important for me to explain his position. The fact is he's not as quick as he was five years ago. That happens. People lose their pace. But he's adjusted his game and he's had terrific performances since then."

Ferdinand gave away the controversial penalty which earned Newcastle United a 1-1 draw against the Premier League champions on Saturday.