Monday 8 October 2012 21:04, UK
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is as good as he has ever been, in the opinion of his club-mates.
That is the reason why there were calls for Ferdinand to be recalled by Roy Hodgson for the forthcoming games with San Marino and Poland. Sir Alex Ferguson is doubtless glad Hodgson has chosen a different route given the delicate nature of his defensive resources, even when Chris Smalling gets ready to return from his broken metatarsal after the international break. Nevertheless, the defence of Hodgson's position, if not by him then by others who share the same opinion, has brought criticism Tom Cleverley cannot fathom. "Rio has had one bad game in six months," said the midfielder, who scored United's brilliant third, even if his manager insists he did not mean it. "We have conceded a few goals and made a few silly mistakes this season. But I couldn't believe some of the stuff I have read about Rio in midweek. He has definitely not deserved that."
