BACK TO SCHOOL FOR LARRY

Last updated : 02 August 2002 By editor
Laurent Blanc said that after Rio's arrival from the sheep perhaps he will be
the one to learn.

"I would never consider myself as a teacher,'' he said.

"When you look at a player like Rio Ferdinand it's a two-way thing. It's not just
me passing on experience, I can learn from him just as much. There is a great
desire among the players to help each other out.

"At 23 he has already played to a very high standard and has a lot of
experience. He is a great defender."

He also said that United's lack of success last season was one of the
reasons he has stayed on.

"It was disappointing not to get any silverware last year,'' said Blanc.

"All the players here have a strong desire to play for Manchester United and
do well. It is one of the reasons why I wanted to come back for another year.'