Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that he does not believe that defender Rio Ferdinand wants to leave the club.

The 34-year-old's contract at Old Trafford expires at the end of the season and he has yet to agree a new deal.

However, Ferguson has insisted that he is not worried about the lack of progress in negotiations and that he is confident Ferdinand will remain at the Premier League leaders.

Ferguson told Sky Sports News: "We are not panicking about that. I don't think Rio wants to leave and, as I have said before, he can play on.

"I don't think he has the same issue with his back that he had a couple of years ago. It is manageable now."

Ferdinand has made 416 appearances for United since joining the club from Leeds United in 2002.