Ferdinand facing the axe?

Rio Ferdinand faces the chop following another shaky display for Manchester United. This is according to a report in The Sun newspaper, which claims manager Sir Alex Ferguson has finally run out of patience with the defender, who he fears may now be past his best. Ferdinand, who cost United £30m in 2002, was found wanting in the 2-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday with Fernando Torres running him ragged. With Jonny Evans showing much promise when he plays, the change could come as early as this Saturday’s clash with Blackburn. A succession of thigh, calf, groin and back injuries are said to behind the 31-year-old Ferdinand’s bad form, with suggestions that he has lost a yard of pace and can no longer keep up with the likes of the lightening fast Torres.