/world sport
LONDON, England -- Premier League leaders Manchester United have signed up England international trio Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick and Wes Brown to new long-term contracts at Old Trafford.
Ferdinand has been a dominant figure in the Manchester United defense this season.
"They have all agreed new deals," said United manager Sir Alex Ferguson on Friday.
"It continues our policy of lengthening contracts at the right time and keeps the continuity of the first-team squad going, which we try to do."
Brown's new contract puts an end to intense speculation over his future.
The versatile defender's current deal was due to run out at the end of the season and he was linked with a number of top clubs.
There's no other club for Wes Brown," Ferguson said. "He's a Manchester United player. We were always quietly confident he would sign."
Ferdinand has been in outstanding form in central defense as the Premier League champions close on a second successive title, while Carrick has impressed in his central midfield role.
Ferdinand hinted earlier this week that a deal could be close to avoid the situation in 2005 where his failure to put pen to paper eventually saw him criticized by his own fans.
Carrick is coming to the end of his second full season with United following his $37 million transfer from Tottenham Hotspur.
"Talks have been going on for a while now," said Carrick. "Things have been falling into place for me here and it is nice to know the club reward you for that."
United are two points clear of Chelsea with a game in hand in the Premier League and face Barcelona in the semifinals of the Champions League. E-mail to a friend 
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