Fergie - Rio will be captain

Giggs, Anderson and Tevez could start

By Hayley Paterson   Last updated: 23rd August 2008

John Terry Rio Ferdinand

Terry and Rio: Worthy captains

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Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Rio Ferdinand will lead out Manchester United as captain one day.

The 29-year-old defender missed out on the dream chance to captain England full-time, with that honour going to Fabio Capello's final choice of John Terry.

But despite the setback, Ferguson sees Ferdinand, who is currently behind Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs in the pecking order, as the Red Devils' future leader.

"John Terry has been captain of Chelsea for quite a while - that must have been an advantage," the United boss said.

"The difference here is that I operate my captains on seniority.

Leadership

"In the long-term Rio will be captain of Manchester United, there is no question about that.

"His leadership qualities have improved tremendously over the last couple of years and his ability is there for all to see."

With Terry being two years younger than Ferdinand, some feel that his time to captain his country may soon be running out.

But Ferguson said Ferdinand will not dwell on the decision and continue his Premier League and Champions League duty of defending United's double.

"I don't think anyone was actually nailed on for it.

"It was always a flip of the coin between Rio or John Terry.

Welcomed returns

"At Rio's age I don't think we need to worry about the effect of what happened," added Ferguson.

Manchester United will be without a string of first-teamers for the Bank Holiday clash against Portsmouth including Michael Carrick who is out for three weeks.

But there should be welcomed returns to the first eleven from Carlos Tevez and Anderson. Ryan Giggs should also be fit despite limping out of the Premier League opener against Newcastle.

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