Ferdinand preparing for family affair

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has said he will go ‘into hiding’ should his side lose to brother Anton’s QPR on Sunday.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s men face Rangers aiming to extend their lead over Manchester City at the top to eight points, with Roberto Mancini’s men playing Arsenal later in the day.

And the 33-year-old suggested that if the west Londoners leave Old Trafford with all three points, he will have to avoid his family for a few days.

“It will be special if we win,” he said. “I can enjoy it if we win. If we lose I go into hiding and don’t come out.

“I don’t speak to family or anyone for a few days. That is just the way it is.”

While the reigning champions could go a step closer to winning the title on Sunday, QPR are embroiled in a relegation battle and sit outside the drop zone on goal difference alone.

Ferdinand explained that his family could be split on Sunday and admitted he has blanked his relatives after failing to beat Anton’s former club West Ham United in the past.

“My family just go with who needs the result,” he said.

“This time I don’t think they can side with anyone because we both need to win.

“I have blanked family and friends at Upton Park before because we have not got the right result.

“They have been texting to ask where I am and I have just got on the bus and made my way back to Manchester. I don’t reply for a couple of days. I get in a sulk sometimes because I want to win.”