Rio's Rhythm Will Return

First Fabio Capello, now Sir Alex Ferguson.

The two men whose opinions matter most to Rio Ferdinand have both voiced their support for him this week, following his much-publicised recent errors for England and United.

Sir Alex said: "Maybe missing games has affected him. If he gets into a run of matches, I'm sure the rhythm will come back.

"I think all players worry about their form if they're making mistakes and getting criticism. They have to. They wouldn't be human if they didn't. So it's an unusual experience for him. But he will get through it, I'm sure of that."

It was suggested to Sir Alex that over-confidence might explain the moment Rio gave the ball away in the Manchester derby, which directly led to Craig Bellamy's equaliser at 3-3.

"I don't know if it's that," Sir Alex replied. "I think there has always been a casual part of Rio's game since he was a kid.

"It's a casualness that has been an advantage to him at times. At other times, particularly in his younger days, it was a weakness.

"But in his time with us, his development and maturity have brought about some outstanding form, consistently, for quite a long time."