"They have agreed new deals," said Ferguson.

"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."

Ferdinand hinted earlier this week that a deal could be close and those words have been proved to be correct.

It means there will be no prolonged negotiation over a new contract, avoiding the situation which arose following his failure to put pen to paper on his current deal for a number of months that eventually saw him criticised by his own fans in 2005.

While Ferdinand and Brown have been long-standing members of Ferguson's squad for a number of years, Carrick is coming to the end of only his second full campaign following an £18million move from Tottenham.

Yet an enhanced new deal just emphasises his importance to United as he prepares to play in his second Champions League final and collect another Premier League title.

"Taks 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."