Source: PA
Ferdinand calm after return to first team
Rio Ferdinand has claimed he is too old to suffer from nerves after returning to the heat of Champions League battle after a two-month absence at Stamford Bridge.
Although Chris Smalling has far exceeded expectations as Ferdinand battled back to fitness after suffering a calf injury during the warm-up ahead of United's defeat at Wolves on February 5, Sir Alex Ferguson viewed the 32-year-old's experience as vital to his side's chances of victory.
The theory was proved to be spot on as Ferdinand helped to subdue Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres, earn United their first away win over Chelsea since 2002 and claim a precious first-leg lead ahead of the quarter-final return at Old Trafford on Tuesday.
"I didn't feel any pressure or nerves," said Ferdinand. "You are doing what you love. I wake up every morning wanting to play football.
"To come out and play at stadiums like Stamford Bridge does not make me nervous, it makes me want to try and get the right result for my team.
"When you have played a lot of games and seen all these situations there are not many surprises in these games. I have seen a lot of things and if you can't deal with that at this stage of your career then you never will."
