Ferdinand would earn 100,000 pounds a week if he accepts the current deal being offered however he is holding out for more money.

His actions have irritated Sir Alex Ferguson, who cannot understand the reason behind the delay and has demanded the 26-year-old England star commits his future to Old Trafford to quell growing unrest.

"We are not going to be messed about. We have shown great faith in signing these players and we need to see it returned," said the Scot.

"Rio's agent is apparently out of the country. There is nothing much we can do about that but when he gets back we want a decision.

"It is important to the Manchester United fans that they get one."

Some Red Devils fans have been angered by Ferdinand's recent meetings with Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon and an apparent failure to acknowledge the club stood by him during his eight-month suspension for a missed drugs test.

Ferdinand claims he can understand why supporters are becoming frustrated but maintains he wants to extend his time at United and is confident there will be movement when his advisor Pini Zahavi returns from a business trip abroad.

"I understand the fans may be getting frustrated but people have to understand that contract discussions do not happen over one or two days," said the 30 million pounds former Leeds skipper.

"My agent is out of the country at the moment and that has slowed things down a touch. We met last week and things were going reasonably well, so hopefully it will be speeded up in the coming days.

"I do want to stay at Manchester United. I have said that from the beginning. I am happy here and I want to sign but sometimes these things take time."

New contract or not, Ferdinand will take his place in a depleted United side for Sunday's trip to Charlton.

Gary Neville is suspended, while Ruud van Nistelrooy and Gabriel Heinze both miss out through injury.

Victory is essential if the Red Devils are to stand any chance of overhauling Arsenal in the battle for the second automatic Champions League slot, although following the Gunners' win over Tottenham on Monday, Ferguson fears a third-place finish may be on the cards for a second season running.

Although United have staggered through the last few weeks of their Premiership campaign, picking up just one point from their last three away games, The Valley is normally a happy hunting ground for Ferguson and his team.

United have won on their last three visits to Charlton and would be recording their third consecutive league double over Alan Curbishley's men if the journey to south-east London again proves fruitful.