Rio Ferdinand said he is astounded by the skills of Robin Van Persie, while admitting he would like to extend his career with Manchester United.

Van Persie has been arguably the signing of the season, despite the 29-year-old costing United £24 million ($38 million), with the prolific Dutchman already netting 18 goals in the Premier League.

The former Arsenal man has almost single-handedly carried United to victories in several games this season, leading his new side to the Premier League summit, which they hold by a massive seven points from archrivals Manchester City.

"The fans see how good Robin is in games but we see it all the time in training," Ferdinand told the Sun.

"Sometimes when we're practising and he produces one of those special bits of skill you think, 'Bloody hell how did he do that?' and you just want to stand there and clap.

"I'd always known he was a quality player but since he's come to United he's surprised even us with just how good he is. His technique is brilliant and his finishing so clinical.

"When he gets his chance he usually puts it away and, if he misses one, it doesn't get to him -- he just carries on and scores with the next one.

"At Arsenal he seemed to play a bit differently. They would string a load of passes together and he was there to finish things off.

"With us he drifts from being a No. 9 to a No. 10, his hold-up play is really good and he goes wherever he feels he's needed.

"He's a good professional as well and is always working to get better. I've heard everyone talking about the success of the partnership he has with Wayne Rooney but it's not just him and Rooney.

"He works well with any of the strikers in our squad -- Danny Welbeck, Chicharito Javier Hernandez), they all seem to gel with him."

Ferdinand's future has been a topic of much debate with his current deal set to expire at the end of the season. There have been suggestions the central defender could make a move back to his first club West Ham, while retirement has also been mooted.

The 34-year-old, though, said his intention is to stay at Old Trafford. "Of course I would want to stay, 100 percent, provided I'm still playing like I am and feeling as good as I am at the moment," Ferdinand added. "Manchester United is a great club, the No 1, and you would never want to play anywhere else if you can still play for them.

"United will always be in my blood now. People were writing me off when I was out injured and saying my career was coming to an end but I know my body and was confident I could get through it.

"I always felt that the more games I played in a row, the better for me -- and it's worked out.

"I want to be able to contribute properly and be a player they actually need. You can tell if you're not really needed at a club any more. You just know.

"We are not in discussions about a new contract at the moment and I'm fine with that because of the understanding I have with the manager.

"I don't expect to be treated any different to the other older players like Giggsy or Scholesy, who normally sign on again at the end of the season."