EXCLUSIVE: Ferguson refuses to panic over Rio Ferdinands injury woe

Published: 26 Sep 2009 - 22:44:35

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EXCLUSIVE: Ferguson refuses to panic over Rio Ferdinands injury woe

Sir Alex Ferguson eased fears of an impending Manchester United defensive crisis by insisting he has no plans to buy a stop-gap replacement for Rio Ferdinand. There has been speculation that the United boss was about to hit the transfer panic button as a series of injuries continue to restrict Ferdinand. Already he has missed four out of United's six Premier League matches, their Champions League trip to Besiktas and two England games because of a thigh tear. Heads up: Rio Ferdinand battles for the ball with Stoke's Dave Kitson during their Premier League clash He has missed 30 of his past 53 matches for club and country and has started back-to-back competitive games only three times since April. No replacement for Rio: United manager Sir Alex Ferguson Ferguson's concern is shared by England manager Fabio Capello as he makes his plans for the World Cup finals in South Africa next summer. But the United boss is still confident the champions can cope without going into the transfer market in the January window even if the Ferdinand situation worsens. Ferguson said: 'There are several options if I need them. Rio has had a few problems but what he needs most is matches to get him back to complete match fitness.' Ferdinand, 30, sees an osteopath three times a week, is tied to a special United fitness programme and has conceded that his back injury may saddle him with a limp in later life. Stoke 0 Manchester United 2: Timeless Giggs inspires United to top spotFergie dismisses goalie gaffes and insists: Foster is still No1MANCHESTER UNITED FC