Gary Neville has signed a new one-year deal with Manchester United.

The 35-year-old defender joins his fellow old stagers Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs in committing themselves to Old Trafford until the end of next season.

It will be Neville's 19th season at the club and his form has been so good of late that he has been mentioned as an outsider to make Fabio Capello's World Cup squad.

It is remarkable given Neville was sidelined for almost two complete seasons with muscular problems that could easily have ended his career.

And Ferguson is delighted with the experienced defender's contribution.

"He deserves it," said the United boss. "His contribution has been fantastic.

"What Gary has achieved after being out of the game for 18 months, in his 30s, is astonishing."