Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that he did not realise that Rio Ferdinand's contract expires at the end of the season.

Ferguson admitted the blunder when he was asked a question in relation to his disagreement with his defender over Ferdinand's refusal to wear an anti-racism T-shirt, but he has insisted that the 33-year-old can play at the top level for another "two or three years".

Ferguson told The Sun: "I didn't even realise that his contract was up. You are making me panic!

"We have always adopted that policy of offering one-year contracts, and at 34, I think Rio can play for two or three 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."

It was reported yesterday that Ferdinand may have to take a wage cut if he is to sign a new deal at Old Trafford.