Rio finally pens new deal

Rio Ferdinand today signed a new four-year contract with Manchester United.

News emerged on Monday that the 26-year-old England defender had agreed the terms for the contract, which runs until 2009.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson told the club’s official website www.manutd.com: “We’re delighted, it’s absolutely brilliant news.”

Ferdinand was booed by some United fans during their pre-season campaign for not signing the deal last season.