Ferdinand keen to stay at Manchester United after England retirement

Rio Ferdinand’s hopes his decision to quit international football will earn him an extended stay at Manchester United.

After announcing that he was retiring from England duty on Wednesday, Ferdinand is hopeful that it will enable him to stay fit and earn a new deal at United.

The 34-year-old is out of contract at Old Trafford in 2014, but now wants to focus on his club career and earn a new contract at United.

“Hopefully I’ve got a couple of years left,” he told The Sun. “I owe it to United to do this – it’s a big decision to retire from England.

“But my body is telling me it needs to be in the right condition for my club and that’s really your day-to-day job.

“I’m pleased with my decision. I want to give everything to United and I think the time is right.”

Ferdinand has made 33 appearances for the club this season as they
claimed their 20th league title, and got his first goal of the season in
Sunday’s victory over Swansea.

With David Moyes replacing the retiring Alex Ferguson at United, Ferdinand admits everyone will have to earn the right to play under the incoming boss.

“We’ve all got to prove ourselves to the new manager – there’ll be new rules and a new regime,” he stated.

“The likes of Giggsy (Ryan Giggs) and myself, who have been here for many years, will be in the same boat as (Danny) Welbeck, (Phil) Jones, (Tom) Cleverley.

“We all have to show him we’re the right people to start each game.”