Ferdinand poised for United comeback

zocoss SG

By Soccernet staff

Rio Ferdinand contemplative

Rio Ferdinand: Injured on England duty

Ferdinand, 31, has missed United's first three games of the Premier League season but if he comes through Wednesday's Manchester Senior Cup tie it will mark a rapid recovery.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson had originally stated that Ferdinand would not be fit to return until the end of September.

If Ferdinand comes through the Oldham match unscathed he is expected to come into contention for a first-team comeback at Everton on September 11, which represents the start of a hectic week that also includes home games against Rangers and Liverpool.

Ferdinand will be joined in the United line-up by Wes Brown, midfielder Anderson - who is also on his way back from long-term injury - and Federico Macheda.

Rock^Star SG

he is already slow.....with ferdinand in defence last time would guarantee a tight ship at the back. When he comes back in, man u

will leak goals.

voltrons. SG

time for youngsters to step up into his role.

zocoss SG

Ferdinand - in action against Oldham.

Manchester United reserve team boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer declared Rio Ferdinand ready to make a first-team return after the defender came through the second string clash with Oldham.

It was the first time Ferdinand had been in action since he suffered a major knee ligament injury in a freak collision with Emile Heskey on the first day of World Cup training with England in South Africa.

The injury wrecked the 31-year-old's hopes of captaining his country on the greatest stage and also resulted in him missing the opening three games of United's Premier League challenge, plus the start of England's Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.

However, it seems Ferdinand is now on track to face Everton at Goodison Park on September 11 after a typically stylish performance in the low-key arena of Bower Fold in Stalybridge.

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

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

Solskjaer moved quickly to dispel any fears that Ferdinand's premature departure was down to a recurrence of the injury.

For a player who has struggled badly for fitness over the past two years, during which he has missed 15 England games alone, Ferdinand is desperate for an injury-free run.

And Solskjaer confirmed he is raring to go.

"There was no problem whatsoever," he said.

"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."

Goalless when Ferdinand ended his contribution, United eventually emerged triumphant in a Manchester Senior Cup tie watched by Paul Scholes when Federico Macheda lashed home a superb left-footed strike in the latter stages to seal a 2-1 win.

Aside from the result and Ferdinand's return, Sir Alex Ferguson will doubtless be interested to learn of a full 90 minutes for Anderson, who is on his way back from a cruciate operation.