Rio Ferdinand has been told to prove his fitness at Hull on
Sunday – or face the prospect of missing out on the Champions
League final in Rome.
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has warned his captain that he
may miss out on a starting place against Barcelona if he cannot
overcome his calf injury.
The England centre-back has missed the last three matches since
sustaining the injury in the Champions League semi-final second leg
victory over Arsenal at the Emirates on May 5.
Ferguson is optimistic the 30-year-old will be available for
Sunday’s final Premier League match of the season at Hull as that
will prevent him having to make a difficult decision in his team
selection to face Barcelona in Rome next Wednesday.
“I am hoping he will be fit for Sunday, if not he is doubtful
for Wednesday that is for sure,” said the United manager.
“I think he needs a game going into the Champions League final
because him having not played for three weeks is too much.
“The plan is for him to start training with us tomorrow and once
we get football training we will have a better idea of his
availability for Sunday.
“I think he is probably fit to play Wednesday but whether I
would start him without a game is another matter.”