Press reports have linked Pique with a possible move back to Spain at the end of this season, but Ferdinand is adamant there’s a future for the defender at Old Trafford.

“Like anybody, Gerard wants to play regularly and he might not have played as often as he’d have liked this season,” he said.

“But the manager showed great faith in him by playing him against Arsenal recently.

"He slotted in terrifically in that match. It was a massive game and he showed he could play on the big stage when it was necessary.

“That game was really significant to the title race, so he would have had a confidence boost by being selected for that match. He’ll know just how highly the manager rates him.”