Gill won't lose patience with Rio

Manchester United chief executive David Gill “respects” Rio Ferdinand for taking his time in talks over a new contract.

The England centre-back has been booed by his own fans in the club’s last two pre-season friendlies against Clyde and Peterborough, with sections of United’s support furious at how long he is taking to agree new terms.

United are reported to have offered £100,000 (€143,400) a week to Ferdinand and fans are clearly dismayed at what they see as the player holding out for more, even after the club stuck by him during an eight-month suspension for missing a drugs test.

But Gill, who has been a major part of the negotiating process with Ferdinand’s agent Pini Zahavi, understands why the decision is not a simple one for the 26-year-old.

“It may be reflecting badly on Rio, but not with me it isn’t,” Gill told the club’s official website www.manutd.com.

“It is a big commitment he is making. Yes, it is a lot of money by any stretch of the imagination but it is still a big commitment.

“I know people would snap your hands off if you are offered that kind of money, but it does have to be right.

“You have to think about your worth and all that. I respect him for that and he has to get the right advice.”