Rio poised for return

Red Devils skipper declared fit and ready for comeback

Last updated: 3rd September 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

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Manchester United reserve team boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has declared Rio Ferdinand fit to make a first-team comeback.

The defender, who has been recovering from a major knee ligament problem, came through Wednesday night's second string clash with Oldham unscathed.

The reserves encounter marked the first time Ferdinand had seen action since sustaining the injury in a freak collision with Emile Heskey on the first day of World Cup training with England.

The knock ruled the 31-year-old out of the South Africa tournament, dashing his hopes of captaining his country for the event.

It also saw him miss the opening three games of United's Premier League campaign, as well as the start of England's Euro 2012 qualifying challenge.

However, it appears Ferdinand could return for United's league clash with Everton at Goodison Park on September 11th after a solid display at the low-key arena of Bower Fold in Stalybridge.

Delighted

"Rio is always the same player," said Solskjaer. "It is a while since he has played but he was still calm.

"He has got through an important 45 minutes, straight after two very hard training sessions yesterday and the day before so we are delighted with him."

Solskjaer was quick to dispel any concerns that Ferdinand's failure to play the entire 90 minutes was down to a recurrence of the injury.

"There was no problem whatsoever," he added.

"It was always planned that he would play 45 minutes. I am not sure he needs any more games. Rio is a naturally fit lad.

"Today was about distances and getting tighter to the ball. Now he is available for selection again."

Wednesday's match, which was goalless when Ferdinand departed but ended in a 2-1 win to United, also saw midfielder Anderson play a full 90 minutes as he recovers from a cruciate operation.

Comments (7)

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Ashley Eddon (Manchester United fan) says...

Yes we have rio back, but right now do we need him back, Vidic as captain along side Jonny Evans, with Smalling as back up, too me yes he is a great player and ive heard people slating the 30 mil we paid for him,(main liverpool fans) he was worth that when we paid it for him, he was the best in the world, but now it is Vidic. United are the biggest team in the world, and rio is a great part of it, but i think its time to start fasing him out and bring in Evans

Posted 11:23 2nd September 2010

John Smith (Manchester United fan) says...

Well, i''m glad that Rio''s back but there must be some sort of good news with Hargreaves or else why would Fergie name him in the squad. I mean he''s an amazing player when he''s fit but unfortunately he''s a little too injury prone and that may have ruined his career

Posted 11:07 2nd September 2010

David Maguire (Manchester United fan) says...

Delighted rio is back. If he can get an injury free run of games, Utd will have the best defense in the pl again. Still one of the best centre halves in the world! Hargreaves is in the squad as Utd only have 24 players over 21 years of age. Fergie could still have bought another player over 21 and Hargreaves would still have made the squad.

Posted 10:25 2nd September 2010

Crispen Daysh (Manchester United fan) says...

That is really awesome, Knowing such a key player is coming back to 1st team action, Rio is a awesome defender, I like the rio and Vidic defencive roles they have a great partnership just like Pallister and Bruce did. And with Van der sar shouting at them its a good defence. I hope rio doesnt get to many more injurys this season especially if heskey is playing against us.lol!! anyway be good not just for United but for England as well..

Posted 09:35 2nd September 2010

Said Farah (Manchester United fan) says...

yes he is back our captain is back the best team captain is back united and england captain is back rio ferdinand is back like or not he is back and iam happy and delighted like any other united fan he is back and iam sure any st will struggle agains rio he is one of the best defenders in the world and everytime he gets injured we missed him both nationally and club and every body knows that

Posted 03:18 2nd September 2010

Patrick Burke (Liverpool fan) says...

Rio always the same player??? hes either brilliant or a liability and united fans will agree with me when i say it he was never a 30 mil pound justified signing. a player of the same ability would cost what if he wasnt englsh? Hes gonna go the gary neville route not been a first team player in how many seasons??? yet picks up his wages at the end of the month

Posted 01:50 2nd September 2010

Biola Afolabi (Manchester United fan) says...

It''s good to have Rio back cos he''s an experienced player, but why did he included hargreevs name on the squad?

Posted 23:38 1st September 2010
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