Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes he is in
rude health going into the Community Shield against Chelsea at
Wembley on Sunday.
Ferdinand has been pleased to come through pre-season untroubled
after a calf injury curtailed his preparations for the Champions
League final.
He was sidelined for three weeks after sustaining the problem in
the semi-final victory against Arsenal.
Ferdinand reappeared in the European Cup showdown with
Barcelona, only to end up on the losing side.
The bitter disappointment of failing to retain the trophy,
however, has been replaced by a feeling of well-being ahead of the
new season.
United face newly-promoted Birmingham at Old Trafford on Sunday
week in their first game.
And Ferdinand said: "I am fine, there are no problems. I have
not missed any training sessions this pre-season, not missed any
games and played a lot of minutes.
"I am delighted and feeling good. Long may that continue this
season.
"The club have been really good. I've had rest and maintenance,
a good pre-season tour and training. That's the most important
thing. "
United are aiming for a fourth straight title and Ferdinand
insists the club can continue to grow despite the departure of
Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid.
The England star is not fazed by the winger's exit and added:
"We have been here before.
"A lot of us have been around a few years and seen so many come
through the doors and go.
"This club moves on from any individual coming and going and
that's the same in this instance.
"The team is more important than one single player. That has
always been the case and will always remain."