New blow for Rio Ferdinand as Manchester United captaincy goes to Nemanja Vidic

18 September 2010 10:46
Rio Ferdinand has been told by Sir Alex Ferguson that he can forgetany thoughts about wearing the captain's armband this season. [LNB]The Manchester United centre half has just returned from a lengthyinjury, and missed England's disastrous World Cup campaign where StevenGerrard took over the captaincy. [LNB] Captain, my Captain: Nemanja Vidic will wear the armband in future[LNB]Ferdinand was expecting to take over the captaincy at Old Trafford from Gary Neville, but Ferguson insisted: 'Nemanja Vidic has been given the captain's armband because he has been available all the time.'  [LNB]The 31-year-old Ferdinand returned for the Champions League draw withRangers in midweek and it could not have come at a better time givenFerguson's announcement 24 hours earlier that Gary Neville would nolonger wear the captain's armband because of his persistent injury woes.[LNB]New blow: Rio Ferdinand told he will not lead Manchester United[LNB] Despite being given the honour against Rangers, Ferguson confirmed it will be fellow defender Vidic, 28, who carries out the duties on a more regular basis. [LNB]The United boss said: 'We want it to be a player who's consistently available for us. [LNB]'Everyone will recognise that if Vidic is fit - and he has been all season - he'll always be there. [LNB] 'You wouldn't leave him out of your team unless you were resting him. 'He has started the campaign as the captain and it will stay that way.'[LNB] Ferguson's decision suggests that Ferdinand has some way to go before convincing the boss he is completely clear of injuries. [LNB] But the Old Trafford chief is pleased to have him available for tomorrow's clash with Liverpool. [LNB]Ferguson added in The Sun: 'It is good to have Rio back. If he plays, it is because he is an outstanding player.' [LNB] Hargreaves is close to playing for again after two years out, reveals surgeonFergie's red mist: The truth behind that long-running rivalry with LiverpoolMANCHESTER UNITED FC: All the latest news from across the web[LNB] [LNB]  

Source: Daily_Mail