Ferguson is talking Rio up so much that you begin to wonder whether there is some kind of reverse psychology going on here:
'I am looking at Rio as potential captaincy material. There are different types of captains. Eric Cantona led by example on the pitch and after the game sat down with the players and talked to them. Then you have your traditional, driving United captains - Bryan Robson, Steve Bruce and Roy Keane. I think Rio has a bit of both styles. He's got composure on the ball - but he'll also get to players.'