Source: SKY_Sports
Rio salutes Fergie methods
Rio Ferdinand insists he never lost faith in Manchester United's ability to dominate English football as the club closes on a third successive title.
The classy defender's time at Old Trafford has not always been so successful though, with Sir Alex Ferguson's side having at one point gone three years without a title.
Arsenal's 'Invincibles' and Chelsea under Jose Mourinho both overtook United at one stage, with many critics claiming Ferguson's side were some way behind their capital rivals.
Ferdinand, though, claims that even in the club's darkest days he retained full confidence in Ferguson's ability to build another successful side.
"I never once thought this might not happen again or that it was the end of an era," said Ferdinand.
"You just have to trust the manager. He has been so successful, so not to have done that would have been crazy.
"The players stood by everything he has done. I remember people booing Ryan Giggs. That is how mad it was.
"But the manager calmed us down, told us to take our time and trust him.
"He assured us it was a transitional period. The results since have proved that.
"We have not won anything yet, but we are in a great position to do so."
Ferdinand will have a calf strain assessed before a decision is made on his participation against Wigan on Wednesday night and with Jonny Evans also doubtful with a hamstring strain, John O'Shea could be asked to slot in alongside Nemanja Vidic in central defence.
The centre-half will not put himself at risk knowing he could be part of a side that wins the title at Old Trafford at the weekend, something he did not experience in his three previous successes and in fact has only been achieved once - in 1999 - in the 10 triumphant campaigns Ferguson has overseen.
"I have not played a football match to win the league at Old Trafford," said Ferdinand.
"I have won it at away grounds and been in my house when another team has lost, so it would be nice to win it at Old Trafford.
"But in all honesty, I would win it anywhere. I would win it on the grass outside the training ground if I had to."
