Manchester United yet to open Rio Ferdinand contract talks

Manchester United have yet to open talks with Rio Ferdinand about a new contract, with the club waiting to see how the 33-year-old maintains his fitness in the final year of his deal, which ends next summer. The central defender is keen to sign on again at the club where he has spent a decade but United may wait until the new year before starting negotiations. In recent seasons Ferdinand has been plagued by injury and has had to manage a chronic back condition. But he managed 38 appearances for United last season and there is confidence that, as Ferdinand is still Sir Alex Ferguson's first choice if fit, a new contract will be offered. If so it is likely to be for one year, in line with the deals signed by the 38-year-old Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, who is 37.