Ferdinand defends Ferguson's team selection
Rio Ferdinand, Manchester United's vice-captain, has defended Sir Alex Ferguson's decision to fundamentally change the team's starting eleven for Tuesday's Champions League encounter with Rangers FC.
Ferguson made ten changes to the team that started in United's 3–3 draw against Everton on Saturday. Edwin van der Saar, Ryan Giggs and Johnny Evans were left on the bench having played 90 minutes at Goodison Park. After his team failed to penetrate the
solid Rangers defence, Ferguson faced criticism for making such radical changes.
"It's a squad game and the manager wants to give players minutes on the pitch," Ferdinand, who made his first appearance for the club after recovering from a knee injury, said. "There are people who haven't played many games — myself included — so we're
obviously delighted with the changes."
The defender had a relatively quiet evening at Old Trafford, as Rangers only produced three shots on goal. Towards the end of the game, the 31-year-old began playing further up the pitch as United became increasingly desperate for a goal.
It was the team's inability to test Rangers keeper Allan McGregor that sparked criticism of Ferguson's team selection after the game.
The manager refuted claims that a different team could have done better, and Ferdinand insisted that rotating players is part of his boss' regular routine. "The manager makes changes most weeks and it's never a problem."
Rio glad to be back after knee problem
Having missed out on first-team football since picking up a knee ligament injury in June, Ferdinand will hope to feature for United in the coming league games. The team face Liverpool in a heated encounter on Saturday before another derby awaits against
Bolton next week.
"It was nice to be back, playing football. I've waited a long time." To avoid further criticism, Ferguson will need to have his injury-ridden defender available for the upcoming fixtures.
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