Rio: Wayne's In The Best Place

Rio Ferdinand has welcomed the news that Wayne Rooney has signed a new five-year contract with United.

The England captain praised Rooney’s dramatic change of heart as well as the way the club dealt with the situation, bringing an end to a week of intense transfer speculation.

“Everybody at the club is delighted that Wayne has signed, it has been an awkward couple of days for all concerned but the club have done a fantastic job in putting it to bed as quickly as they have," Ferdinand told MUTV.

“I think deep down, Wazza knows he is a Man United player and this is where he is best. We have seen great players leave this club and always talk about regretting it and how they want to be back here. Wayne has probably put all of that into his thoughts and come out with the true way of thinking - that this is the best place for him.

“He obviously asked some questions and he has got the right answers, which is good for everyone concerned including us as players, the fans and the club.”

Ferdinand also applauded the efforts of Sir Alex Ferguson for his role in persuading the want-away striker to remain at Old Trafford and has reiterated the squad's complete backing of the boss.

“At the end of the day the manager has been here for over 20 years, he has been the most successful manager there has ever been and ever will be,” said Rio.

“We trust him in regards to the players he brings in and also the players who he looks to groom from the youth team, we trust his judgement. He has never ever seen us wrong in the past so there is no reason to doubt him in any way shape or form.

“This is where we need to come together as a team and make sure we use this as a catalyst to kick on this season."