United star making fast recovery

Rio Ferdinand could be fit for the start of the new EPL season. The elegant Manchester United defender injured his knee while on England duty in the days before the start of the World Cup after a freak training ground accident involving Emile Heskey. But following intensive treatment the Red Devils medical staff now believe that the 31-year-old could make the club’s opener against newly-promoted Newcastle United on August 14. United’s second match is against Fulham a week later, before the square-up to West Ham at Old Trafford on August 28. Initial fears were that Ferdinand would only make his comeback deep into the new season.