Ferguson Quells Ferdinand Injury Fears

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson played down concerns over an injury to centre-back Rio Ferdinand.

Ferdinand was taken off after 50 minutes of the 1-1 draw against Valencia ahead of the Premier League game against Arsenal on Monday.

"It's a tight hamstring - not a tear or anything like that," said Ferguson.

"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."

United had gone behind against Valencia when Pablo Hernandez scored in the first half but Anderson equalised to send the Old Trafford side into the last 16 knockout stage as group winners.

Valencia would have leapfrogged United with a win but Ferguson's side avoided such a scenario and will now 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, with other prospective rivals to be decided after Wednesday's Champions League games.

"It is always good to be first. That is important," added Ferguson. "We will avoid the bigger names, although they will come eventually."