Is Rio Ferdinand still a key player for Manchester United?

Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand has endured a slightly stop-start few years to his football career and recently there has been speculation about his Manchester United future.

However United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has now told the press that he still has a place at Old Trafford.

Confirmation

Sir Alex Ferguson told the press: “ Rio’s been a great player for us and it’s important to explain his present position,”

“There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, absolutely not. I have no issues at all with Rio, he can play for another couple of years quite easily.

“He’s got a part to play. He’s got experience and he’s good in the dressing room, players look up to him. He’s a big figure in our dressing room, so that will continue. I have no thoughts of letting him go.”

Injuries

Injuries have had a major say in Ferdinand’s recent career. Like any 33 year-old player his age is starting to show. He’s not as quick as he used to be but that’s also down to the aging process. Ferdinand needs to stay injury-free though with the European Championships next summer.

The centre-back missed last years World Cup and it would be a big blow for him to miss another major international tournament. Euro 2012 could also be his last as a England player.

Replacements

The United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been preparing for the eventual exit of Rio Ferdinand by signing the likes of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling. Its inevitable that he will have to quit at some stage and the Scot is just preparing for that day.

I don’t think he could have chosen two better replacements than Jones and Smalling. Jones has came into the side like he has been at United forever and Smalling has also impressed often out of position at full-back.

These two youngsters are the future of the United defence for years to come. Ferguson knew that Ferdinand wouldn’t play every game with his recent injury-record and also the fact he is in the twilight of his career.

At a big club like United it’s only natural that the manager is looking into the future to make sure the team is strong for years to come.

International

In the past Rio Ferdinand was always considered a first choice at the heart of the England defence. However due to the aforementioned injuries and lack of form Ferdinand’s automatic place in that defence has to be questioned.

England have a plethora of players in that position at the moment. Some of them are in better form than the United ace. If England boss Fabio Capello is true to his word come June he will pick the centre-backs who are in form.

Time

I would have to agree with Sir Alex Ferguson stating that Rio Ferdinand still has a couple of years left in him yet. He may not play as many games at United in his remaining years but he will still play a part.

The likes of Smalling and Jones will be eased into the line-up until the day that Rio decides to call it a day. I can’t see the centre-back moving anywhere else at this late stage of his career. He may consider a move to the MLS but I can’t see it happening.

Coaching

While I have my crystal ball out I can see Rio Ferdinand following in the footsteps of the likes of Paul Scholes and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and moving into coaching at United. Solskjaer has gone onto management in Norway winning the league in his first managerial role at Molde.

Form

For now though Rio Ferdinand needs to get his head right as Manchester United face a battle to keep hold of their Premier League crown. If he hits top form then he is an asset to the Red Devils and England.

For everybody’s sake I hope he is able to recapture that form, so that he can play a part for England at next years European Championships.

Is Rio Ferdinand still automatic first choice for Manchester United?