"It is a fantastic achievement. All the players were giving him special attention because of that," said Fergie.
"I don't know if anyone else will do it. I hope another United player can. But it won't be in my time, mind you!
"Ryan will be part of my team next season - absolutely. There is no question about that," added Sir Alex.
"You look at Ryan and Paul Scholes this season and there are no signs they are going over the top.
"You wonder how long they can go on. Ryan is 33 but he doesn't carry any weight. He looks after himself.
"It is like everything else. You keep an eye on them and you have to be aware that at some point they will no longer be able to do it because of age. It is very difficult.
"Ryan has always utilised his change of pace. He is obviously not as quick as he was 10 years ago but he is still quick.
"Players with intelligence can change their games. It has happened many times. When Dave Mackay signed for Derby in 1968 he thought he was doing so as a midfield player because that is where he played for Tottenham.
"But he won the title with Derby as a centre-half. Players can change."