WE DON'T NEED RIO

Last updated : 12 August 2002 By editor

From the Sun.

BRIAN CLOUGH insists Manchester United can win the title WITHOUT Rio Ferdinand.

But former Nottingham Forest boss Clough believes United could have won back the Premiership crown without splashing out a British-record fee to sign the England defender.

Clough said: "Rio is a fine player but I believe United would have won the title this season even if they hadn't signed him.

"Things went wrong for them last season but I'm convinced Fergie will have yet another Premiership trophy on his sideboard next May.

"Arsenal were the best side last season and deserved to win the league but, by signing Ferdinand, United are just adding to what was already the strongest squad in the country.