Ferdinand keen to carry on for United

Rio Ferdinand hopes to continue playing in big games for United, but the 34-year-old is not looking to emulate veteran midfielder Ryan Giggs.

Giggs, who played his first competitive game for United back in 1990, recently signed a one-year contract extension at Old Trafford which would see him play for the Red Devils into his 40s. And Rio, who is out of contract this summer has been reportedly offered a one-year extension which the England international seems likely to agree to. Speaking to The Daily Mail, Rio said:

“I’m just enjoying my football, playing in the big games, being a regular in the team. It enables you to hit a bit of form. I hope I can carry on. When you get to my stage you take it year by year. I’m working out my routine.

“But no-one else will be able to do what Giggsy has done. He’s got a certain body type, works on it and gets the best out of it.”

United have been ruthless this season and are sitting 15 points clear of the reigning champions Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table. But Rio, who has appeared in 24 Premier League games this season, says the team has learnt the lesson from last season’s heartbreak and is taking nothing for granted.

“We’ve got to make sure we finish the season correctly and get this title back. We’re not far off it, but it’s not over until it’s over. We have to make sure we remain focused and apply ourselves in the right way.

“I’m not really surprised by the lead if I’m honest. When I look around the changing room, I expect us to be winning games nine times out of 10. I believe in the squad, believe we can win games in various ways, winning ugly, playing fluent football, keeping a clean sheet.

“It would be great to win it again, but until we do I don’t want to talk much about it. Last season a lot of people got ahead of themselves.”