Rio return will strengthen United: Ferguson

Alex Ferguson believes Rio Ferdinand’s return to fitness will give his side a psychological edge going into Sunday’s crucial clash with Chelsea at Old Trafford.

Ferdinand has been missing for the champions since suffering back spasms in the middle of last month.

United have coped well without the England defender but Ferguson knows his return for the visit of Chelsea is a huge boost ahead of a game that promises to influence the outcome of the title race.

Ferguson said: “We are delighted to have Rio fit again and back in contention. He’s been having spasms and has missed the last few games and that’s given us an opportunity to get it settled down.

“He’s trained for the past few days and feels fine. You always benefit from having your best players available and he’s one of the best in the world. There’s no question about that. We are lucky to have some good young players here to come in and replace him, but having Rio back makes a difference because of his stature and presence.”

Ferguson has challenged United to make full use of their home advantage against Chelsea and take a significant step towards another Premier League title.

United have enjoyed a successful season on home soil as well as having played Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool away from home.

Ferguson, who has a full fit squad to choose from with the exception of Wes Brown, knows his side can score another psychological victory over Chelsea with a win.

Liverpool sit top on 45 points, with Chelsea three points adrift. United, with two games in hand, have 38 – a tally shared by fourth-placed Aston Villa.

Ferguson added: “The two games in hand we have gives us an opportunity to close the gap (on leaders Liverpool). There is no question those are important games and we have to take advantage of them.

“But we need to focus on the challenge of Chelsea first.

“Our home form this season and record has been great again. Chelsea have always had a good record at Old Trafford. This is a big game and we need to meet the challenge.”

While Chelsea have spent millions since the arrival of Roman Abramovich, Ferguson insists he will not change his philosophy of building successful teams without breaking the bank at Old Trafford.

He added: “Chelsea changed the face of the Premier League and to win the title back off them was important for us.

“We are building a team here that should last for a long time. We know we can’t match the spending power of Chelsea and have to identify young players. But it’s about spending money the right way and finding the right balance for the team.”

Ferguson refused to be drawn on comments from Carlos Tevez that he is unhappy at United’s stalling over contract talks.

Tevez’s public expression of frustration has reportedly infuriated the United boss but he was tight-lipped on Friday, insisting: “I’m not going to comment on players’ contracts. It’s a private matter between the player and the club.”