Source: SKY_Sports
Rio has van der Sar support
Edwin van der Sar is confident Rio Ferdinand will be back to his best sooner rather than later.
The Manchester United defender has allowed his exceptionally high standards to slip of late, both domestically and internationally.
Costly mistakes have been allowed to infiltrate his game, with
his concentration and focus coming into question.
Ferdinand, however, remains one of the most decorated superstars in world football and at 30 years old has plenty of time left at the top.
He is, therefore, expected to snap out of his slump in the not too distant future, with his Old Trafford team-mates and manager supporting his cause.
"Rio's some character and is some player but, of course, sometimes you go through a bad patch," said United's veteran Dutch keeper Van der Sar.
"I'm sure it doesn't affect him. We have to make sure we get the understanding back from last year. I'm sure we're going to be solid again at the back."
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has also offered his support to the under-fire centre-half.
"In his time with us, Rio's development and maturity have brought about some consistently outstanding form," he said.
"Missing games, as he has done through injury, takes a little bit away from you. But that's the challenge he faces.
"He's played two games for England now and if he gets into a run of games I'm sure his rhythm will come back."
