Man Utd trio agree new contracts

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick and Wes Brown have agreed new contracts with Manchester United.



Ferguson was informed of the news by chief executive David Gill this morning but the length of the deals has not been revealed.

"They have agreed new deals," said Ferguson ahead of his side's game against Blackburn.

"It continues our policy of lengthening contracts at the right time."

As well as tying three key members of his squad, Ferguson added that there could be some new arrivals at Old Trafford next season.

"We have a strong squad already and this just keeps it going," said Ferguson.

"And I would imagine there is a good possibility of stocking up again in the summer.

"The strong squad we have built has aided us this season and this latest bit of business is definitely good news."

Ferguson was unable to put a precise length to the new contracts but Ferdinand's representative, Pini Zahavi, revealed earlier this week that the defender agreed a new five-year deal, believed to be worth £130,000 a week.

Brown, 28, and 26-year-old Carrick meanwhile are also likely to pen new five-year deals.

Brown's contract was due to expire in the summer while 29-year-old Ferdinand had two years remaining on his previous deal.

In the absence of the injured Gary Neville, Brown has been a key figure for Ferguson this season and was subject to a bid from Newcastle during the January transfer window.

But this new deal puts paid to the intense speculation that linked the England defender with a move away from Old Trafford.

Ferguson added: "There's no other club for Wes Brown.

"He's a Manchester United player. We were always quietly confident he would sign."

Carrick, 26, only joined the club in 2006 in a £18.6m deal from Tottenham.

The midfielder has become a key player for United and his new deal underlines his importance to the club.

"Talks have been going on for a while now," said Carrick.

"Things have been falling into place for me here and it is nice to know the club reward you for that."