Source: Telegraph
Manchester United v Liverpool: Sir Alex Ferguson never in race to sign Joe Cole
United were linked with Cole before the England international eventually moved to Anfield on a free transfer.[LNB]''We were approached by Joe Cole's agent at one point but we didn't enter into it at all,'' said Ferguson.[LNB] Related ArticlesPressure on fit-again FerdinandMan Utd v Liverpool: previewHenry Winter: United haunted by silly mistakesAlan Smith: concentration key for Ferdinand, VidicLiverpool will attempt to block Tom HicksFerguson: Valencia out until Feb''It was complicated to get involved in that.''[LNB]Cole will line up for Liverpool against a fit again Rio Ferdinand tomorrow, with the two former West Ham players eager to have a sustained run in their respective teams, as well as the national side, free from the injuries that have dogged them in recent seasons.[LNB]Such has been Ferdinand's lack of availability over the last 18 months, Ferguson has permanently moved the captain's armband to his central defensive partner, Nemanja Vidic.[LNB]''As I explained last week, what we wanted was someone who was consistently available for us,'' Ferguson said.[LNB]''Everyone recognises Nemanja Vidic would always be there. He has been fit all season and you don't leave him out of the team unless you are going to rest him.[LNB]''He started the campaign as captain and it will stay that way.''[LNB]Such a view will inevitably also raise questions over Ferdinand's position as captain for England, especially with popular opinion among fans suggesting Steven Gerrard should keep the job he has performed so admirably at over the past few months.[LNB]Not that it will matter tomorrow as Ferdinand, one of the few players expected to retain their place after Tuesday's disappointment against Rangers, tries to help ease United past their fiercest rivals.[LNB]''I sound like a parrot but this is the fixture. There is no question about that,'' he said.[LNB]''It doesn't change. The form fluctuates quite a bit but we won the last game so hopefully that turns it back towards us again.''[LNB]
