Source: Team_Talk
Ferdinand boost for United and England
Rio Ferdinand gave a boost to Manchester United and England after coming through 27 minutes of Tony Carr's testimonial match at Upton Park.[LNB] Ferdinand has been troubled by back and groin problems all season, which have restricted him to just 11 Premier League starts for United.[LNB]The England captain made his return from three weeks on the sidelines as a late substitute in last weekend's victory over Sunderland.[LNB]And Sir Alex Ferguson gave Ferdinand permission to continue his comeback tonight by honouring the man who gave him his introduction to professional football.[LNB]Ferdinand partnered his brother Anton Ferdinand in the centre of defence for the West Ham Academy All-Stars and was untroubled in a game that never rose above pedestrian pace.[LNB]"Rio rang me this morning at a quarter to nine to say he was heading to the train station to come down and that he could play 20 minutes," said Carr.[LNB]West Ham consider themselves the Academy of Football and, as director of the youth set-up, Carr has overseen the development of seven current England internationals.[LNB]With Chelsea able to wrap up the title this weekend, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole and John Terry were not allowed to play but all three were present at Upton Park.[LNB]Michael Carrick, whose wife has just had their second child, Glen Johnson and Jermain Defoe sent their apologies along Fulham's pair Paul Konchesky, who was in Premier League action.[LNB]Bobby Zamora was with the Fulham squad but did not play because of injury.
