Red Devils sweat on Rio

Manchester United are sweating on the fitness of star central defender Rio Ferdinand after a scan on his persistent back injury suggested he could be out for eight weeks. Ferdinand failed to feature in United’s 2-0 win over Blackburn on Saturday. The injury has badly affected his pace and he has been found wanting on numerous occasions this season. Now, according to the club’s medical team, only rest and intensive treatment can save the England defender’s United career. United fans can however rest easy, safe in the knowledge that in Jonny Evans they have one of the most composed young centre-backs in the EPL to partner Nemanja Vidic. Wes Brown is also a capable stand-in. A fully fit Ferdinand, however, remains one of the best central defenders in world football.