Fergie plays down Rio fears

(08-12-2010) Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has played down fears that star defender Rio Ferdinand could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines. This comes after the elegant centre-back limped off the pitch early in the second-half of the club’s 1-1 draw with Valencia in the Champions League on Tuesday. "It's a tight hamstring - not a tear or anything like that," said Ferguson afterwards. "I'm sure he'll be OK for Monday. He felt it at half time but wanted to carry on. But we have several days now to make sure he is right." The result means United top their group and will not be drawn against fellow group winners Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid in the next round. The draw for the last 16 will be made on 17 December and possible opponents for United so far include Inter Milan, AC Milan, Lyon or Copenhagen.