He’s made over 400 appearances for the club in his 10 seasons at Manchester United, winning 13 major trophies to date, but is Rio Ferdinand’s career at Old Trafford coming to an end?

In May 2008, Ferdinand signed a new five-year contract, keeping him at the Red Devils until 2013. At present that current deal still remains in place, meaning the 34-year-old defender is now entering his final six months of his contract.

As a result, rumours have begun to grow that Sir Alex Ferguson is considering letting his £30 million signing leave, once his deal expires.

With captain Nemanja Vidic finding his way back to fitness, following his long-term injury, and with the continued development of young defenders Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones; some may say that Rio’s playing opportunities are going to come fewer and further between.

Couple that to the fact of the defender’s previous injury struggles, with his lower back, and some may also argue that Manchester United’s no. 5 cannot play top-level football consistently for much longer.

This view is not held with Sir Alex though – the man who will ultimately decide whether or not Ferdinand has a future at Old Trafford. On the subject he had this to say in a press conference in October:

“I think Rio can play for two or three more years. He is not as quick as he was but that is not a big issue for me. His experience is important and there is no reason he can’t stay on. I didn’t even realise his contract was up.

“He has different issues from Paul (Scholes) or Ryan (Giggs) in terms of injuries over the last couple of years. He is still a great footballer and, even at 33, there is no reason why he can’t stay on. We have always adopted that policy of offering one-year contracts, so we will see as the season progresses.”

I for one, agree with Ferguson’s words as I believe Ferdinand has more than an important role to play at the club still. In fact, in my opinion, he still forms one half of our best central defensive partnership alongside Vidic.

At 34-years-old now, he still has a lot to offer the club. While yes it may be evident that he cannot play three games consecutively in the space of the week, it is clear that he is a vital cog of our defence with his experience and ability.

An obvious example of this was in the recent Manchester derby. Away to the ‘noisy neighbours’, Ferdinand was colossal throughout the match – bar giving possession away in one moment in the second half. A calming influence at the back, he marshalled and led a young defence that involved Rafael, Evans, Smalling and goalkeeper David De Gea to a satisfying win.

The winning mentality that Ferdinand has, coupled with his level of performances so far this season, underline his importance as a Manchester United player – especially in the absence of Vidic. On that basis alone, if it was my decision, I would happily offer him a new one-year contract – keeping in with the club’s policy.

Remember the old adage that age is just a number. It doesn’t matter how old you are, it simply matters if you are good enough.

That still applies to Rio. Fergie sign him up for a bit longer please.

By Luke Augustus @Luke_Augustus29