Rio headache for Fergie

United stopper heads back to Manchester in cast

Last updated: 6th April 2008

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Ferdinand: Hobbles off

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Sir Alex Ferguson has been handed another defensive headache with the news Rio Fedinand travelled back to Manchester with his foot in a protective case, following United's 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough.

With United looking somewhat uncertain at the back in the absence of the injured Nemanja Vidic, they can ill-afford to lose Ferdinand for any sustained period.

The draw at The Riverside leaves United just three points ahead of Chelsea, and they have to face Arsenal next weekend before going to Stamford Bridge on 26th April.

Ferdinand limped off during the match and left the stadium with his foot in a plastic case, as a precaution.

Ferguson said: "Hopefully it's not serious with Rio but he was limping for too long.

"The danger was to keep carrying on with him when he was limping he was not playing at his full performance level."

Ferdinand will almost certainly be an absentee for the UEFA Champions League second leg against Roma in midweek, but Ferguson is confident his replacement on Sunday, Gerard Pique, is more than ready to cope with the demands of European football.

"Pique came on and did absolutely terrific, he was absolutely marvellous and I think that helped us actually," added Ferguson.