Ferdinand to sign new one-year United contract

Ferdinand, who confirmed his retirement from international football last Wednesday after winning 81 England caps, has just five weeks remaining on his current £115,00-a-week deal at Old Trafford.



But with Moyes expected to start work at United in an unofficial capacity from Monday following the end of his eleven-year reign as Everton manager on Sunday, it is understood that Ferdinand’s future will be the first issue to be addressed by the Scot.

Ongoing uncertainty over Wayne Rooney’s commitment to United is another priority for Moyes to deal with, as are the stalled contract negotiations with Portuguese winger Nani, who is expected to be sold this summer.

Ferdinand’s advisers have been in discussions with outgoing United chief executive David Gill in recent weeks in an effort to finalise the terms of a 12-month contract extension.

And while Sir Alex Ferguson, who retires as manager on Sunday, has repeatedly insisted that the £30m buy from Leeds will be offered a new deal, the final decision on Ferdinand has been left with Moyes, who has given the nod to the player’s new agreement.



Despite being plagued by back and calf problems in recent years, Ferdinand has enjoyed a renaissance over the past 18 months and he made a crucial contribution to United’s title success this season, making 27 appearances in the Premier League.

Sources close to Ferdinand have confirmed that the defender has received numerous lucrative offers to leave Old Trafford this summer, with clubs in China and the Middle East prepared to double his current United salary in an effort to tempt him away.



However, the player has stated his desire to remain at the top level for as long as possible and he is expected to sign his contract extension in the early stages of this week to hand Moyes a positive start to his reign as United manager.


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Rio retires from England

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has called time on his England career with 81 caps to his name.

The 34-year-old clinched a sixth Premier League title with the Red Devils this season and admitted after Sunday's final home game that he was keen to sign a new contract at Old Trafford.

Ferdinand, for whom United paid Leeds a colossal £34million in 2002, has been in the international wilderness since Roy Hodgson took charge last year - missing out on Euro 2012 and then pulling out of the squad when eventually recalled for the 2014 World Cup qualifiers in March.

"After a great deal of thought, I have decided the time is right for me to retire from international football," said Ferdinand, who regularly undergoes injections in his spine to keep a persistent back problem at bay.

"At the age of 34, I feel it is right for me to stand aside and let the younger players come through, which allows me to concentrate on my club career. The team looks in great shape and there is an influx of young, talented players coming through the ranks which bodes well for the future.

"I regard it as a great honour and a privilege to have represented my country at every level from U17s upwards. I have always been very proud to play for England. I would like to wish Roy and the team all the best for future tournaments.

"A big thank you to all the fans, managers, coaching staff and players that I have worked alongside - the journey has been incredible."

Ferdinand became the youngest defender to ever play for England when he made his debut against Cameroon at Wembley in 1997 having just turned 19.

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Ferdinand angry at alleged racist chanting

Rio Ferdinand has expressed shock at alleged racist chanting directed at him and brother Anton by England supporters during the 8-0 victory over San Marino.

The chanting was said to be directed towards Manchester United defender Rio, who pulled out of the England squad, and QPR centre-back Anton.

"You expect and accept banter from fans on the terraces as it's part of what makes the game great," Rio tweeted.

"But racism is not banter and from your own fans - WOW."

However, the 34-year-old former West Ham and Leeds player said: "Always a small minority who ruin it for others."

He later added: "Let's not jump to conclusions and assume though, as it might just have been banter. We'll see after the investigation."

Ferdinand's comments came after the football anti-racism network Fare filed a complaint to world governing body Fifa on Thursday.

The Press Association reports that some England fans sang a song suggesting the brothers should be burned on a bonfire.



It has been claimed the song had racist overtones because Anton was racially abused by former England captain John Terry.

Gerrard defends fans' right to boo Ferdinand

Steven Gerrard has defended the right of England fans to abuse Rio Ferdinand over his withdrawal from the squad last week.

Ferdinand, who turned down a place in the squad because it would disrupt his special training schedule, was persistently abused by the 2,600 travelling fans at England’s 8-0 win over San Marino.

Gerrard, the England captain, said the supporters had every right to “show their frustrations about Rio not being here”. He added: “They are entitled to their opinion. They’ve spent good money to come over here.

"We all wanted Rio here because he’s a good player and he certainly would have helped us over these two games. But he’s made his decision and we need to respect that.”

Gerrard’s comments came as England manager Roy Hodgson expressed his frustration at repeated speculation over whether players such as Ferdinand and John Terry would be recalled.

Hodgson demanded greater respect be shown to the current England squad and that the calls for the return of the likes of Ferdinand and Terry should now end.



“I think it’s wrong to consistently ask for people to come back,” the England manager stated ahead of the vital World Cup qualifier away to Group H leaders Montenegro.

Ferdinand had told Hodgson that he did not wish to travel with England – under medical orders – but still flew to Qatar to work as a television pundit on the game for Al-Jazeera.

He launched a defence of his actions on the TV station, saying he still felt he had an England future.

Supporters at the Stadio Olimpico made clear their feelings, including a stream of four-letters words in a vocal protest.

Hodgson has endured a fortnight’s circus around Ferdinand’s recall – and then refusal – and also questions as to whether he should now even ask Terry to come out of international retirement.

“Where do we stop? Do we ask for Michael Owen to come out of retirement every time we can’t score a goal? You know, let’s stick to the guys that are playing regularly every week.”

Hodgson added: “Let’s also show some respect for the young (Chris) Smalling and the not so young but well tried and tested Joleon Lescott because Joleon Lescott’s at Manchester City, the champions of England; Chris Smalling plays for Manchester United.

“I’m not exactly putting a couple of guys from non-league football out on the pitch on Tuesday night and I think we should show them a bit more respect – and not constantly compare them maybe.

"We’re talking about John (Terry) and we could maybe be talking about Roy McFarland and Colin Todd. How far back do you want to go?”

Rio Ferdinand has defended his trip to Qatar despite a
 back problem which requires delicate fitness
 management ruling him out of England duty.

Lescott and Smalling will play against Montenegro and Hodgson reiterated that it was “disrespectful” to suggest that England are suffering from a defensive crisis even though he has had to call up the inexperienced pair of the uncapped Steven Taylor and Steven Caulker, with just one cap, to his squad.

In what might be interpreted as a veiled criticism of Ferdinand, Hodgson continued his defence of his squad by declaring that he has been impressed by their commitment to the cause.



“The one thing the England fans can be really certain of is that if we fail it won’t be because they are players who don’t take it seriously or they are players who are more interested in themselves or their clubs,” Hodgson said.

“I know those accusations are bandied about but I can honestly say I’ve seen no example of that.”

Hodgson hopes to include Glen Johnson at right-back against Montenegro with the Liverpool defender having sat out the San Marino game because of a recurrence of the toe infection that hampered him during Euro 2012.

Hodgson revealed that Johnson might have to undergo “an injection” to play and added: “He could have played (v San Marino) but it would have meant an injection and I preferred to maintain his course of treatment we hope it (the toe) gets better in the next couple of says but if it doesn’t he will need an injection.”

Ashley Cole is also set to be recalled at left-back with Gerrard and midfielder James Milner also returning.

Ferdinand withdrawn from England squad

Rio Ferdinand has been forced to withdraw from England's forthcoming fixtures with San Marino and Montenegro.

Hodgson confirmed in a Football Association statement that he had a face-to-face meeting yesterday with Ferdinand in which the defender said he still wanted to continue playing for England.



Hodgson said: "I'm disappointed Rio will not be available, but due to the detailed pre-planned training and medical programme he must follow it's not possible.



"However, I was pleased that Rio called and asked to meet with me. It was important to hear from him personally about the way he must manage his body between games.



"This is not to say he cannot play back-to-back games – he can and has proven so. He's out this time due to particular pre-planned details already in place for his programme.



"I must place on record how I was impressed with his commitment to playing for England and I look forward to hopefully selecting him for squads in the future."



Ferdinand said: "It was important for me to be able to speak with Roy face to face and explain the situation, and one thing I made clear was that my passion and commitment to represent my country is as strong as ever.



"It is disappointing that I won't be able to play a part in the upcoming games but I told Roy that I want to continue to be available for England and I look forward to working with him in the future."

Ferdinand out of England squad for football training reasons.

The internationals were supposed to be Ferdinand's first games for the national side under Roy Hodgson and his first for England since June 2011.



Steven Caulker, who was originally named in Stuart Pearce's Under-21 squad, will now join the seniors.

Fergie concern over Rio call

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has hinted it is not completely certain Rio Ferdinand will join up with England next week.

Ferdinand was selected by Roy Hodgson for this month's World Cup qualifiers with San Marino and Montenegro, the first time he has been called up by the current England boss since he took charge just before Euro 2012.

The move caught Ferguson by surprise given Ferdinand's long-standing back and fitness issues and the Scot was not convinced a return to the international set-up, at the age of 34, was right for his experienced centre-half.

Ferdinand's current five-year deal expires at the end of the current campaign and the United manager said: "I was as surprised as anyone when I heard.

"I need to speak to the (United) doctor because we prepare Rio Ferdinand in a certain way and there are certain treatments he has to go through.

"He has to make sure he is going to be OK in terms of the number of games he plays.

"We have been doing that for two years and it has worked. We have to look at all these things before Rio decides (if he joins up)."

If Ferdinand did not report it would be more than a minor embarrassment for England boss Hodgson given his climbdown from previous statements that he has "moved on" from the Manchester United defender.

"The procedures have been the same all season which has given him fantastic performance levels when he's playing for us," said Ferguson.

"We have to consider that and Rio is considering that. And we'll see what the outcome of that is."

Ferdinand could yet face sanction

Rio Ferdinand is likely to find out today whether he will face disciplinary action for sarcastically applauding Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.



Uefa have already confirmed they have opened a case into Sir Alex Ferguson failing to carry out contractual post-match media obligations, in addition to an assessment of whether Nani’s red card is worthy of punishment beyond an automatic one-match ban.



But Ferdinand is yet to hear whether he will face punishment for his reaction to the 2-1 defeat, which he believed was caused directly by Cakir’s decision to dismiss Nani for a debatable challenge on former Liverpool man Alvaro Arbeloa.



Whilst there were some suggestions Ferdinand will not face any action, it has to be remembered Wayne Rooney was sent off by Kim Milton Nielsen in 2005 when he did exactly the same to the Dane during United’s encounter with Villarreal.



And given how Ferguson is feeling about Uefa just now, he will feel nothing would surprise him. “Uefa has opened disciplinary proceedings against Manchester United FC for the red card of Nani and post-match media obligations not fulfilled (under) III 2.6 and 2.7 of the competition regulations. The case will be dealt with by the Uefa control and disciplinary body on Thursday, March 21,” read a statement from Europe’s governing body.



There will be an element of Ferguson feeling it is damned if you do, damned if you don’t. Such was the United manager’s anger at Cakir he could not trust either himself, or his players, to speak to the media without saying something that would land themselves, and their club, in very hot water indeed.



Yet Ferguson was suspicious of Cakir prior to the game and feels those concerns were fully justified given the manner in which he turned the entire complexion of a tie that appeared to be heading in United’s direction.



A more considered assessment is likely to come tomorrow, when Ferguson is expected to hold his usual Friday briefing to preview Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final with Chelsea.

Rio thanks United supporters

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has thanked the club's supporters for their raucous backing during Wednesday's Champions League loss to Real Madrid.



United exited the competition in controversial fashion, having led 1-0, 2-1 on aggregate, when Nani appeared to be harshly red carded, after which they conceded twice in quick succession.

Roared on by the home supporters, ten-man United poured forward as they hunted the two goals they needed to progress but visiting goalkeeper Diego Lopez managed to keep them at bay.

Ferdinand was upset after the match and sarcastically applauded referee Cuneyt Cakir before leaving the field.

And, writing on Twitter on Wednesday morning, the experienced centre-back said: "Morning, was a long night without any sleep.



"I must say last night our fans done us + our club proud. Best/loudest support I've heard at ANY ground throughout my career. Thank you."

Rio offered West Ham return

West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has offered Rio Ferdinand a route back to Upton Park.



The 33-year-old defender is in the last year of his current deal at Manchester United, although Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed he would like him to stay at Old Trafford.

However, Allardyce has now confirmed that the door is open for Ferdinand to return to the club where he began his career and played over 150 games before leaving for Leeds United in 2000.

"If it's at the end of the season and he hasn't got a new contract and he is released by Manchester United, then we would be interested," said Allardyce.

"If he wants to live back in London eventually, which is where he comes from, which you know quite a few players want to do when they come to the end of their careers, that is an advantage for us.



"It depends entirely on Rio or which other clubs might be interested in him."

Fergie wants Rio retirement

Sir Alex Ferguson wants Rio Ferdinand to forget about an England return and concentrate on Manchester United.

John Terry's decision to quit international football has raised the prospect of a recall for the Red Devils centre-half, who missed out on Euro 2012.

Ferdinand has continued to make himself available despite that snub, which Roy Hodgson maintains was for "football reasons" and nothing to do with the court case involving Terry and his brother Anton Ferdinand.

But Ferguson reckons international retirement would help prolong the 33-year-old's Old Trafford career.

He said: "Rio could do the job for England, there's no doubt about that, but I don't see why he should.



"He should concentrate on his career here, that's what I'd prefer. If he looks after himself there is no reason why he can't play on."

Ferdinand handed driving ban

Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand has rebuffed offers of a chauffeur after he was banned from driving. The 33-year-old defender was caught speeding in his luxury Jaguar car three times in five weeks on the same road in Manchester.



It led to a six-month ban under the points totting-up procedure despite an argument from his lawyer, Nick “Mr Loophole” Freeman, that he should only receive a shorter discretionary suspension.



Ferdinand was also fined £500 at Trafford Magistrates’ Court yesterday and ordered to pay court costs of £35. Reacting to the ban on his official Twitter account, Ferdinand wrote: “Didn’t know so many drivers followed me!! Thanks for the offers but I’m cool, I’m sorted on the drivers front. #speedkills”



The court heard Ferdinand — who was not in court — was caught driving at 38mph in a 30mph zone on the A56 Chester Road on February 9 after being flashed for speeding at the same spot twice the month before. He had another three points on his licence dating back to 2009.



Mr Freeman told magistrates his client was embarrassed at being caught repeatedly speeding but that he did not have the benefit of being pulled over by a police officer and was “a victim of the system”.



He said it was “the classic problem with cameras” in that Ferdinand was unaware he had already committed two driving offences. Mr Freeman failed to persuade magistrates to impose a short ban as he argued the England international wished to continue spending “quality time” with his two young sons as he took them to school, rather than employ a driver.