Source: Telegraph
Edwin van der Sar: Rio Ferdinand will recover top form for Manchester United
Dutch goalkeeper Van der Sar, 38, made his first competitive appearance of the season as United reclaimed top spot in the Premier League with a 2-1 victory at Old Trafford.
Despite his return to action, Van der Sar could not put an end to United's recent defensive frailties that have seen them struggle to keep just three clean sheets in the league this term.
Some of the blame for United's uncharacteristic vulnerability has been placed at Ferdinand's feet following a catalogue of mistakes in recent weeks. The 30-year-old has also endured a difficult time with England.
But Van der Sar insists that Ferdinand will soon be back to his best and he is now ready to help accelerate that process.
Van der Sar said: "Rio's some character and is some player but, of course, sometimes you go through a [bad] patch.
"I'm sure it doesn't affect him, but he and I have to make sure we get that good understanding back that we had last year and I'm sure we'll be solid again.
"When you come back, you want to start good. I tried to keep it clean at the back against Bolton, but the most important thing was that we won the three points."
United are due to fly out to Moscow this afternoon ahead of their Champions League group game against CSKA on Wednesday.
The game will be played in the Luzhniki Stadium, the scene of United's 2008 Champions League final victory over Chelsea.
Van der Sar proved the hero that night with a penalty shoot-out save from Nicolas Anelka and he admits he is relishing a return to the stadium.
He said: "Yeah, of course, I'm looking forward to it. It was a great night and it's not so long ago, but it looks like [feels like] a lifetime already!"
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is set to be without a host of key players when squad flies out of Manchester.
Wayne Rooney (calf), Nemanja Vidic (ankle) and Darren Fletcher (groin) are not expected to travel, while Ferguson admits he has other concerns too.
Ferguson said: "Ryan Giggs has a knock and is a doubt for Wednesday. Patrice Evra, we will have to look, but he may also be doubtful. Vidic will certainly be ready for the Liverpool game and I think Dimitar Berbatov will be alright."
