By NEIL CUSTIS
ALEX FERGUSON will hand Rio Ferdinand a new one-year deal after extending Ryan Giggs’ Manchester United career.
Giggs is set to play his 1,000th game for United at Old Trafford today — exactly 22 years after he played his first.
And he is set to go well beyond that after it was confirmed yesterday he will sign a one-year deal to play past his 40th birthday next season.
Fergie says he expects Ferdinand, 34, will also be kept on when the defender’s contract runs out in the summer.
The United chief said: “It is a strong possibility. I think he has had a great season.
“He has managed himself in the right way.”
Fergie, whose men face Norwich today, is overjoyed that Giggs has agreed to stay on.
He insisted: “What can I say about Ryan that hasn’t already been said?
“He is a marvellous player and an exceptional human being. Ryan is an example to us all, the way in which he has looked after himself.
“His form this year shows his ability and his enjoyment of the game are as strong as ever and I am absolutely delighted that he has signed a new contract.”
Giggs said: “I am feeling good, enjoying my football more than ever and, most importantly, I feel I am making a contribution.”
