Rio Ferdinand is refusing to press the panic button, despite
Manchester United's miserable start to their defence of the Premier
League title.
An influx of big money summer signings to Old Trafford had seen
United installed as favourites to retain their crown, but after
taking just two points from their opening three games, Sir Alex
Ferguson's side are now already playing catch-up.
Sunday's derby day defeat to a rejuvenated Manchester City has done
little to shift a cloud of despondency, that was cast upon learning
talisman Wayne Rooney had fractured his foot and would be sidelined
for around two months.
However, Ferdinand is refusing to be downbeat and on the contrary
to any doom-mongers that have already ruled United out of the title
race, the centre-half is backing the club's players to put matters
right sooner rather than later.
"Just as we didn't think we had the league title wrapped up when we
won our first four games last season, we are not going to say we've
lost it because we haven't won in our first three this time," he
told The Sun.
"Of course it is disappointing and we'd obviously prefer to have
more points on the board. We wanted to make a good start and we
haven't.
"But we just have to put it behind us and move on. There's no point
looking back, it's about the future.
"Once we get a win under our belts more confidence will come.
"There is plenty of character at United but we need to get that
victory as soon as possible. Hopefully, it'll come against Spurs on
Sunday."