Skysports reports Ferguson acknowledges that age is catching up with the veteran defender and he needs to adjust his game to cover for it.
"Whereas he used to rely on his pace, he doesn't do that now, he can't do that now, that's obvious," Ferguson said. "Rio is almost 33 now and obviously he has lost a yard of pace he had five years ago. That doesn't mean to say he can't tailor his game in a different way.
"We've all faced that deciding moment in your career when you realize you have to change your game. I did it myself as a player when I lost that real sharpness and tailored my game differently. Rio will do the same and he'll be fine. He will still play a big part for us."
Ferdinand joined Manchester United from Leeds in 2002 for £33 million ($52.6 million). He has made 368 appearances for the club, and played a leading role on teams that have won 16 trophies over 10 seasons. His last two campaigns have been riddled with injury and he missed time at the start of this season with a hamstring problem.
If he has truly lost a step, he will need to rely on anticipation and his ability to read the game to foil attackers. Playing deeper is another option, but Ferguson will be the one to decide how that tactic fits into United's overall defensive strategy.
Fit-again Nemanja Vidic has been restored to his place in the starting 11 after two months out with a calf problem. Ferguson preferred Phil Jones over Ferdinand in Saturday's win over Everton. Johnny Evans, Jones and Chris Smalling all compete with the England international for a place in the team. Ferguson hopes they can all develop at Old Trafford while learning from their veteran counterpart.
"What I explained to Rio the other day is simply this: That we have two young center-halves coming through and I'm have very happy to have four of them, and I hope to keep the four of them for a long time," Ferguson said.
Ferdinand's hefty contract expires at the end of next season and there is much speculation as to what his next move will be. It is possible that he will stay at Old Trafford, but it will certainly be in a diminished role.
Photo courtesy of Flickr/maxiaurelius
