England defender Rio Ferdinand has signed a five-year contract tying him to Manchester United until June 2013.

The 29-year-old agreed terms in principle last month and has now put pen to a deal that will earn him a reported £130,000-a-week.

The news comes as a boost for the Premier League champions ahead of next Wednesday's Champions League final against Chelsea in Moscow.

Ferdinand has been in exceptional form and it appears manager Sir Alex Ferguson is lining him up to inherit the club captaincy from Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs.

Ferguson said: "I am delighted Rio has signed a new contract. Rio's contribution this season has been a major factor in our outstanding defensive performance.

"Rio has matured into his role at the club and has shown, when needed, what a great captain and leader he can be."

Ferdinand added: "Manchester United is a fantastic club and I am delighted I have signed a new contract. It is a great honour to be part of this trophy winning team and to share in the success, which I am sure, will continue for many seasons to come.

"I would like to thank the manager, the coaching staff, the players and the fans for the tremendous support they have given me since I joined the club."

The deal has been struck with less fanfare that Ferdinand's previous contract, which was signed only after United fans booed him as he held out for £120,000-a-week.

Ferdinand arrived from Leeds in 2002 for a British record £29 million fee, but did not immediately impress and served an eight-month ban in 2004 for missing a drugs test.

However, he has since emerged as a vital factor in United's recent success, as they conceded just 22 goals on their way to the Premier League title.

Alex Chick / Eurosport