Rio Ferdinand has spoken at length about United's current situation, but doesn't think anything is out of place in terms of defending, or otherwise. The 31-year-old was quick to deny speculation that he is injured again, and heaped praise on 'the most experienced man on the planet'...

England skipper Ferdinand played the full 90 minutes at the Mestalla in Spain on Wednesday, as United beat Valencia thanks to a late strike from Chicharito. The experienced centre back has featured in just 43 of United's last 104 fixtures, but looked very composed alongside captain Nemanja Vidic.

"I feel I can play two games in a row. It is obvious I need games. I have been out for so long, to expect to come back and play matches on the bounce straightaway would be wrong. I will just do what the manager asks me to do." 

Speaking about Sir Alex Ferguson, Rio said: "He is the most experienced man on the planet in football terms. I have to trust the manager's judgment and his views on me playing for the future of the season. If he deems it right for me to play on Saturday I would be delighted."

"I did some stretching before the game last night but that was not for my back. That is just an assumption. My back is fine. There is no problem." added the 31-year-old. "A lot has been made about us not keeping clean sheets but I have been at all the games and have not seen us get opened up in a manner that would make it a real crisis."

"We have been a little bit unfortunate and unlucky in certain circumstances, maybe even naive at points but I don't see it as a massive problem. When you drop points against anyone you put yourself under pressure," he said. "As long as we kick on from now and get on a good run of victories we will be all right."