Ferguson was explaining why he had written to the Football Association stating that none of his overage players, with the exception of Ryan Giggs, would be available for selection for the Great Britain Olympic squad. However, England could end up facing a schedule of six matches in 21 days, which is just four days more than the one Stuart Pearce's GB outfit will be plotting for.
"In the Olympics you play a game every four days. Rio Ferdinand couldn't do that," Ferguson told MUTV.
With Roy Hodgson set to name his European Championships squad on Wednesday, Ferguson's words provide him with a new dilemma to ponder.
Thus far, Hodgson is yet to speak with Ferdinand and deposed skipper John Terry about their willingness to play alongside each other, with speculation intensifying in recent days that the Manchester United man was more likely to be selected.
However, if Ferguson's words are to be taken at face value, Hodgson may be deciding whether he can afford to take a risk with Ferdinand's fitness, as Fabio Capello did with Ledley King at the World Cup, only for the move to backfire when the Tottenham man's troublesome knees gave way.
Ferdinand's situation is a side issue for Ferguson, who has confirmed that fellow defender Jonny Evans requires an ankle operation that rules him out of Olympic duty, whilst he is also pondering groin surgery for Chris Smalling, which could also cost him his place after already being ruled out of Euro 2012.
One player Ferguson would be happy to release for the Olympics is Giggs, whose willingness to play may yet meet opposition from the Welsh FA.
He said: "Ryan wants to play. I am happy with that. He is looking forward to it. Whether he plays three games in seven days is another matter - that is not my decision.
"But he does want to play because he has always missed out on the big tournaments with Wales."
Source: PA
Source: PA