Rio: What Crisis?

Rio Ferdinand admits United have conceded some soft goals this season but insisted there's no defensive crisis at Old Trafford.

Usually so miserly at the back, the Reds have let in, on average, more than a goal per game this term. On Wednesday night against Valencia, however, aided by Ferdinand's return in the heart of the defence, Sir Alex's men limited the high-flying Spaniards to just two shots on target.

“We set out our stall to make sure we didn't give anything up and managed to nick the result,” Rio told reporters after the 1-0 win at the Mestalla. “It's a hugely satisfying result. Valencia have a great history and they've had a good start to the season.”

The result secured United's first clean sheet in six games away from Old Trafford this season. Despite that statistic, Ferdinand, who made only his third appearance of the season in Spain, said there was never cause for alarm.

“A lot has been made about us not keeping clean sheets but I've been at all the games. I haven't seen us get opened up to make it a real crisis. We have been a little unfortunate and unlucky in certain circumstances, maybe even naive at points, but we haven't been opened up in a manner that would make it a massive problem.”

The Reds' next test comes this Saturday with a trip to the Stadium of Light. It's a fixture Ferdinand is keen to be involved in, although Sir Alex has previously stressed the importance of not rushing Rio back into action.

“I feel I can play two games in a row,” Ferdinand said. “But the manager is the most experienced man on the planet in football terms. If he deems it right for me to play on Saturday I would be delighted.

“I have to trust the manager's judgement, though, and his views and his thoughts on me playing for the future of the season. Whatever the manager deems is right I will stand by.”