Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed Rio Ferdinand's form this season.

The ex-Leeds defender has yet to sign a new deal with the champs, although both sides expect it to be done.

Fergie said: "Rio has had his best season at the club, I really think that.

"We've had problems with the centre-backs. Vida missed half the season, Chris Smalling has missed most of it and Phil Jones and Jonny Evans have missed parts.

"But Rio, although he was left out of certain games, has been there for us.

"Hopefully he's going to stay - I think he will."