Manchester United Football Club

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

• Ground:Old Trafford
• Capacity:68174

Rio earns Fergie praise

03 Feb 2007 - 12:22:35

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed an improvement in concentration by central defender Rio Ferdinand as one of the main reasons for his side's superb form.

The 28-year-old England stopper has often been criticised for losing concentration at key moments, but Ferguson has detected an improvement by Ferdinand - who has benefited from the presence of Nemanja Vidic alongside him.

Ferguson said: "I don't think there is any doubt he has always had a fantastic talent, with balance and use of the ball.

"His technique for a centre-back is probably the best in the game.

"The area in which he has improved in is his concentration.

"He and Nemanja Vidic have formed a good partnership and it will get better because they are young.

"I think I rested him for one game and I don't think the number of games will affect him. He is a strong athlete and I have been delighted with him."