FERGUSON PRAISES RIO

Rio Ferdinand is set to make his 200th Manchester United appearance against Charlton at Old Trafford.

“Rio has been fantastic for us this season. I've been delighted with him. I have only rested him for one game, against Wigan.

“But centre halves can play more games. I don't think the number of matches will affect him one bit because he is a strong athlete.

“He has always had a fantastic talent, balance and his use of the ball is excellent. His technique is probably the best in the game for a defender and his concentration has improved.

“Rio and Vidic have formed a really good partnership and they can get better because they are young enough. They will be the foundation of the defence for years to come."

More convincing is the praise for Larsson:

“He has been fantastic. The players have been enchanted by him, his movement and his professionalism. It has been a fantastic bit of business by the club.

“He has taken part in six games, scored twice, had a good goal chalked off for offside and had a brilliant header saved on the line by a defender at Arsenal.

“So his contribution in terms of goal impact has been huge, and there is a threat there all the time. Take that aside, and his general play has been fantastic.

“Everyone here wants a championship medal. I'm certain my players are thinking that way. I'll make sure they are, and hopefully they can go all the way and get one this year.

“We have had terrible injury problems over the last few years, but it has not been easy for me to choose my team at times this season and I can take that part of the job quite well.”