Alex Ferguson has confirmed star trio Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick and Wes Brown have agreed new contracts with Manchester United.

Chief executive David Gill told Ferguson the good news in an early morning meeting without outlining precisely how long the three players will remain at Old Trafford.

However, it is expected that all three have signed long-term deals, with Brown putting an end to intense speculation over his future after extending a contract that was due to run out at the end of the season.