INTERESTING TAKE ON FERDINAND'S CONTRACT WRANGLE

Last updated : 14 August 2005 By Ed

Here it is:

Rio Ferdinand's contract row with Manchester United erupted over a disputed loyalty bonus, believed to be worth about £1million.

Ferdinand finally signed a new four-year deal on Friday following a prolonged stalemate between the player and United's board which saw him become a hate figure to some Old Trafford fans.

Ferdinand has always denied he was holding United to ransom and demanding a £120,000-a-week wage, but Sunday Mirror Sport understands the loyalty payment was due to be paid in the summer of 2004.

Ferdinand was then serving his eight-month ban for failing to undertake a random drugs test. He is believed to have waived the rights to it.

Club officials were stunned when Ferdinand tried to reclaim the loyalty payment when he returned to action and talks opened about a new deal.