Rio Ferdinand completed 45 minutes in Manchester United Reserves’ 2-1 victory over Oldham Athletic last night as the England captain returns from a knee injury sustained at the World Cup. Ferdinand, 31, played in a strong reserves outfit that also included the returning Anderson, Wes Brown and Federico Macheda.
Reserves coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says that Ferdinand is already ready for a recall to the first team, after completing the first half in the Manchester Senior Cup clash at Bower Fold, Stalybridge.
“Today was about distances and getting tighter to the ball. He is available for selection again,” said Solskjaer.
“Rio is always the same player. It is a while since he has played but he was still calm.
“He has got through an important 45 minutes, straight after two very hard training sessions yesterday and the day before so we are delighted with him.”
“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.”
Sir Alex Ferguson can now select the defender for United’s visit to Everton on 11 September, before his side faces Rangers and Liverpool at Old Trafford. Midfielder Anderson and defender Brown could also be available for the fixtures as United’s injury list shortens.
Defender Brown played 90 minutes as he returns from yet another injury. The 30-year-old also completed a lifelong dream, partnering his brother Reese in defence, with the younger sibling replacing Ferdinand at half time.
Second half goals from Nicky Ajose and Kiko Macheda secured a 2-1 win for United.
This is fantastic news. It is great to have some good players coming back from injury. Hopefully Rio won’t suffer another season like last year, where he was crocked for such long periods. The last one was a freak accident – sickeningly, on international duty yet again – so hopefully he will keep himself healthy.
I really desperately want Anderson to come good as well. Not least for the fee we’ve paid, but because some of the performances where he has been on top of his game have been great.
He’s not gonna stay fit for very long
He should take more time. Pointless rushing him back. Evans needs the time on the pitch to get his positioning and game up to speed.
Fucking hell, he’s played one practice match in months and Ole says he’s ready for selection. Isn’t that exactly what happened last season and he was back on the treatment table a week later.
Hive him a few games in the 2nds. We’ve got Everton and a Carling Cup game coming up, surely a good chance to rest him.
Last season he was a shadow of his former self when he played and we don’t want his career tarnished like that.
My link was wrong btw. Working now if anyone cares.
his career was tarnished the second he did his dick turpin impression.. but i know what you mean,needs a few more reserve games and evans needs game time..
GAWA
your careers been tarnished eve since you wrote “GAWA” at the bottom of your post
Im ok with that
OK, fuck it, I’ll bite…
What’s “GAWA”?
the mighty northern ireland my friend!
ahhh
Gay And White Army
spike?
Oh right…