Manchester United Football Club News

• Nickname:Red Devils
• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

• Ground:Old Trafford
• Capacity:68,174

Rio back to boost Red Devils

09 Jan 2009 - 13:41:04

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Defender Rio Ferdinand has handed Manchester United a boost after being passed fit to face Chelsea in Sunday's Premier League showdown.

The third-placed Red Devils host the Blues at Old Trafford with second place in the table behind Liverpool up for grabs.

Ferdinand has missed United's last four games after suffering a recurrence of a back injury before the Boxing Day win at Stoke City.

But the England defender will return to partner Nemanja Vidic in a game that could go a long way to deciding the outcome of this year's league title.

Chelsea are currently second in the table and four points ahead of United, having played two games more than the champions.

"Rio's fit to play," revealed United boss Sir Alex Ferguson. "He's missed the last few games and that's given us time to get things settled down.

"He's one of the best centre-backs in the world and he does make a difference, because he's got the presence to play in these big games."

United will also welcome France left-back Patrice Evra back from suspension and Ferguson is delighted with the squad depth he currently has at his disposal.

"We had 24 players training this morning," added the veteran Scot.

"We've everyone fit for Sunday except Wes (Brown) and Owen (Hargreaves), which is a really good position to be in."