08/09 Review : Ferdinand

Rio captained United whenever Neville and Giggs were both absent


Aston Villa's Steve Sidwell found no way past Rio as the Reds kept one of 14 consecutive clean sheets


Rio and defensive partner Nemanja Vidic enjoyed getting their hands on the Club World Cup trophy


Rio kept a close eye on Adriano when United faced Inter


Rio skippered the Reds to victory in the Carling Cup final


Ferdinand was instrumental in United's 1-0 away win over Porto


Rio clearly enjoyed Ronaldo's free-kick against Arsenal at the Emirates


Rio Ferdinand has now won four Premier League titles with United

A defensive cornerstone and regular wearer of the captain's armband, Rio has continued to set standards...

When it comes to raising the bar, United are masters. This season it was the Reds’ defending that hit new heights, with the contribution by Rio Ferdinand central to the mid-season surge that provided a title-winning platform. The England centre-half also played a hefty part as Edwin van der Sar enjoyed a virtually trouble-free passage to a new league shutout record.

Start to finish: Ferdinand was one of five Reds shortlisted for the PFA Player of the Year award, and it’s no exaggeration to say that the Londoner barely put a foot wrong in the league this season. He may have been (marginally) overshadowed by the fortitude of Nemanja Vidic, but his consistency was instrumental to the Reds’ resolute defensive effort. Following a brief absence from the side at the start of April, having suffered a groin injury on international duty, his importance to the side was made crystal clear when he returned. Shutouts against Porto and Everton ensued, and the United defence recaptured its air of invincibility.

In position: Ferdinand did, as ever, lend his aerial prowess to United’s attacking set-pieces, but otherwise tended to sit tight in his centre-half berth, doing what he does best. Vidic was his main defensive partner, though he and Jonny Evans also impressed.

Season highlight: Reds fans trooped away from Stamford Bridge in September disappointed that a late equaliser had denied United the victory required to ignite the title defence. Yet Rio had put in an immense shift to ensure that United didn’t leave west London empty-handed. Facing a sustained second-half Chelsea surge, Ferdinand galvanised those alongside him to keep Drogba and Anelka at bay.

Vital contribution: Ferdinand’s biggest impact was the way he helped young Evans seamlessly slot into the side in September. Evans repaid his mentor by confidently standing in for him over the new year.

Any lows? Ferdinand’s back problems meant Sir Alex had to do without his defensive lynchpin for most of January. The defender did, though, make a swift recovery from the groin injury that threatened to derail the end of his season. Any other business? He’s got two years to go on his current contract, but Rio told GQ magazine he’s thinking about the future: “I wake up more and more thinking that I’d like to be a manager,” he said.

No complaints from Rio

"We just didn’t play well as a collective team and we didn’t play well as individuals. If you don’t do that at times like this then you don’t deserve to win. We’ve got no qualms, we weren’t good enough, we didn’t play the way we can. If you do that in a final, you tend to get beat. You've got to give credit to Barcelona, they played well. We needed to play our best football and we just didn't produce it."

- Rio Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand says United were simply not good enough on the night as the Reds lost their European crown to a hugely impressive Barcelona side.

Goals from Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi in each half secured a deserved victory for the Spaniards. Ferdinand was magnanimous in defeat, but remained hugely disappointed by United's uncharacteristic showing.

"We just didn’t play well as a collective team and we didn’t play well as individuals," he told MUTV. "If you don’t do that at times like this then you don’t deserve to win.

"We’ve got no qualms, we weren’t good enough, we didn’t play the way we can. If you do that in a final, you tend to get beat. You've got to give credit to Barcelona, they played well. We needed to play our best football and we just didn't produce it."

While defeat was hard to take, Ferdinand insists United are proud of the season's achievements and will learn from the experience in Rome.

“We were all aware we’d had a good season up to now and the last day of it would determine how our summer goes," he explained. "It’s a bit of a low point to finish it on but we’ve got strong characters in the squad and I’m sure we’ll be back next season."

Rio on course for Rome

Sir Alex Ferguson is confident Rio Ferdinand will be fit to start Wednesday's Champions League final in Rome.

The defender has been troubled by a calf injury for the last two-and-a-half weeks, but it was hoped he would play some part in the Reds' final league game of the season at Hull.

His absence raised fears that he was still struggling for Wednesday, but Sir Alex remains hopeful Ferdinand will be ready to face Barcelona.

"Rio is coming along fine," he told MUTV. "He trained on Saturday and today with the other players who were also training. I think he's on course to play on Wednesday."

The only other question marks surround the fitness of Rafael and Wes Brown who both picked up minor knocks in the 1-0 win at the KC Stadium.

"I took Rafael off [as a precaution] and we'll get him checked on Monday, but hopefully he'll be okay," revealed Sir Alex.

"Wes got a little knock, but given that it was his first game back after so long out we're thankful he's come through well overall."

Papers : Rio ready for Rome

Rio: I'll be ready for Rome
Rio Ferdinand has been told to prove his fitness against Hull on Sunday if he wants to play in the Champions League final against Barcelona. Sir Alex Ferguson is reluctant to risk the £30million centre-half against Barcelona unless he emerges unscathed from the trip to the KC Stadium. But Ferdinand insists: "I'm fine. I trained with the ball and done some running, so I'm doing all the movements I need to. I've not thought about not playing in the final. But this is perhaps the most important injury battle of my career because there's so much at stake." - Mark Ogden, Daily Telegraph

The Sun says United have "bowed to pressure to field a stronger team at Hull", despite Premier League chief exec Richard Scudamore saying Sir Alex has the right to utilise his full squad. Sunderland's Ricky Sbragia says: "Sir Alex will pick a side that can beat Hull."

The Guardian, who last month claimed Cristiano Ronaldo had a deal to sign for Real Madrid, now says politics at the Bernabeu mean Madrid will go for Kaka and Franck Ribery instead. President-elect Florentino Perez doesn't want to go for former bigwig Ramon Calderon's man. Yawn.

Federico Macheda wants to play in his home city next week. "It's a dream I've had many times, me with the champions in my own stadium. I hope it happens, but I don't even know if I'll be on the bench. United have many great players and there's big competition. It'd be fantastic playing for just a few minutes. In Manchester, people think I'm a hero, but I've done nothing and must show my value."

Elsewhere, it's reported that City want to sign Diego Forlan, while Liverpool are prepared to break their transfer record, funded perhaps by the £23m sale of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid. Benitez couldn't resist a dig: "We may break our transfer record, but we certainly won't break United's." More yawning.

Round up by Ben Hibbs

Rio's special feeling

"There's definitely an added satisfaction to this title win because we've equalled Liverpool's record. The fact that we've beaten to do it means it's a really sweet feeling. Overtaking that record is definitely the next aim now."

- Rio Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand says it's a "sweet feeling" to have drawn level with Liverpool's record of 18 titles.

The defender missed out through injury on Saturday's 0-0 draw against Arsenal which sealed a hat-trick of league championships for the Reds, but was on hand to collect his winners' medal and join in with the jubilant celebrations at Old Trafford.

This latest triumph is United's eleventh in the Barclays Premier League era, but Ferdinand says the squad remain hungry for more and are determined to overtake Liverpool's longstanding haul.

"There's definitely an added satisfaction to this title win because we've equalled Liverpool's record," admitted the defender.

"It's a really sweet feeling. Overtaking that record is definitely the next aim now."

The players embarked on a lap of honour after being presented with the trophy to acknowledge the unwavering support from the fans.

"The fans travel far and wide and spend a lot of money coming to watch us week in, week out and for a lot of them it’s what they live for," explained Rio.

"We’re very appreciative of their great support and it’s only right we say thank you because without them the club wouldn’t survive. And it really is a genuine thank you.

"We’ve had some great times with the fans this season and hopefully there’s plenty more to follow in the coming seasons."

Rio set to miss Gunners clash

Rio Ferdinand is likely to miss out as United aim to clinch the Premier League title against Arsenal on Saturday afternoon.

A calf strain ruled the defender out of the Reds' wins over Manchester City and Wigan, but Sir Alex Ferguson is still hopeful of having Ferdinand available for the Champions League final against Barcelona.

"Rio is still struggling with a calf strain," the manager told his pre-match press conference. "These niggles usually take a week to 10 days to clear up. Hopefully he'll be fit for Hull and the Champions League final.

"He's not training, he's having treatment. He's doing gym work and work on the bikes. He's our only concern for tomorrow, but I'll freshen up from Wednesday - it was a gruelling game and a heavy pitch."

Jonny Evans is likely to deputise again in Ferdinand's absence, as the Reds chase a point or more in order to secure an 18th league title.

Rio's back for key Spurs visit

Rio Ferdinand is fit for Saturday's tea-time clash with Tottenham, while Rafael will start at right-back following injuries to Gary Neville and John O'Shea.

Ferdinand was rested in Wednesday's win over Portsmouth after playing for 120 minutes in the FA Cup semi-final. The 30-year-old has struggled with a groin problem, but he is to be recalled into the starting line-up.

"After extra time at Wembley, we felt it was best to rest Rio," said the boss. "Jonny Evans never lets us down, so we did the sensible thing in resting Rio. We have Tottenham, a European tie against Arsenal on Wednesday, a Saturday lunchtime kick-off against Middlesbrough, then Arsenal again the following Tuesday.

"It’s a run of games in which we don’t take chances. Hopefully we manage the whole thing without killing ourselves in terms of players playing too much.”

Reds skipper Gary Neville will miss the next two weeks after hobbling out of the Pompey victory with a foot injury. However, there's better news for John O'Shea, who came on for Neville but was later forced off.

"O’Shea’s injury isn't as bad as we thought," Sir Alex added. "We sent him for a scan, which came back all clear. He trained on Friday, which is good. We were surprised because when it happened (a tackle from Belhadj) I thought it was a bad one. Fortunately, it’s not serious."

Wes Brown may be included in the squad after coming through his second Reserves game on Thursday. “Wes played and did OK. It’s a bit early for him to start a match, but it’s good that he’s back. We've had a great deal of trouble at right back this season. Now we have Wes and young Rafael available. Rafa did well against Portsmouth and he'll start against Tottenham."

United are three points clear in the title race, but Spurs are the league's form team and Sir Alex isn't underestimating the threat posed by his old friend Harry Redknapp.

“It’s another hard game," he said. "At this time of the season you don’t get easy games. Harry has got Spurs settled down now. He’s used his experience and his eye for the right players has always been good. There is a consistency about Tottenham now. They’re difficult to beat and they’re pushing for a European place.

“We’re in a better position today than we were last Friday. But you see the road ahead and it is tricky. Every game is hard now; credit to the league, you never get an easy game. So the only way to deal with it is focus on each match as it comes along, which is what we will do against Tottenham. Hopefully that gets us where we want to be.

“At this stage of the season you play a game and it’s whittled off the list. If you win, it’s a real bonus for you. It’s an advantage of one less game.”