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Ferdinand injury adds to United´s soccer woes

Posted on April 7, 2008
Filed Under Manchester United

Manchester United faced a defensive injury crisis after Rio Ferdinand became the latest addition to their growing casualty list.

The Old Trafford captain left the Riverside Stadium with a protective cast over his ankle after limping off during the pulsating 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough, which extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to three points.

With fellow central defender Nemanja Vidic sidelined for three weeks and Ferdinand all but certain to miss Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final second-leg clash with Roma, Sir Alex Ferguson will be forced into drastic changes to his back four at a crucial point in the season.

“We’ve come away with a few bumps and bruises, and hopefully it’s not serious with Rio,” the United manager said after Sunday’s match.

“But he was limping for too long and the danger was he kept carrying on and not giving us his full performance levels.”

Ferdinand was forced off during a bruising encounter with Middlesbrough, where the Premier League champions were indebted to Wayne Rooney’s late equaliser to earn a share of the spoils.

Ferguson was delighted with the character shown by his side in arctic conditions more suited to mid-winter than early spring.

The Scot added: “The nature of this club is that we never give in and that’s a great quality to have at this time of the season. That sends out a signal to other players and fans that we won’t give in.”

United failed to build on Cristiano Ronaldo’s 37th goal of a remarkable season which broke the deadlock early on, and Ferguson admitted: “We could have lost the game and they had some chances.

“At times our defending was a bit haphazard I thought, but on the other hand we could have won because the quality of our football was terrific at times.

“They made it harder for us when we went in front but we were in control.

“It became a great game of football when they changed their shape and both teams deserve great credit for producing a game like that at this time of year. It was a fantastic game.”

United must still travel to Stamford Bridge to face nearest challengers Chelsea before the end of the season, but Ferguson was confident his side would clinch a 10th Premier League title.

“We will stretch ourselves in every game. It could prove to be a vital point our goal difference is good but we cannot take anything for granted.

“Our performances have been good but I said some weeks ago the most consistent team will come out on top and hopefully that’s us.”

Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate played down a late spat with Ferguson in the technical area, saying: “We were arguing about different decisions.

“It’s important that I don’t back down in situations like that, but I have total respect for Sir Alex and the club he’s built at Old Trafford.”

The Teesside team all but assured themselves of Premier League survival thanks to goals either side of half-time from 12 million pounds (24 million dollars) club record signing Afonso Alves as Boro once again reserved one of their best displays for another of the league’s big guns.

After testing the top three in recent weeks, former England defender Southgate added: “I’m not certain who will win the title.

“United and Arsenal (six points off top spot in third place) probably play the better football but Chelsea have the tenacity to hang in there. I’m just pleased we’ve put in a good display against such a good side as United.”

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