Manchester United Football Club News

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

• Ground:Old Trafford
• Capacity:68,174

Rio return boosts Red Devils

15 Apr 2009 - 08:20:19

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Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Rio Ferdinand will be fit enough to start Manchester United's Champions League quarter-final second leg against FC Porto.

In recent weeks, United have looked a shadow of the side that set a new Premier League record of 14 consecutive clean sheets earlier in the season.

Ferdinand has been sidelined with a groin injury picked up on international duty while his team-mates have conceded six goals in their last three games.

But the England international will return to the heart of the United defence for the European second leg in Portugal on Wednesday night.

"We think Rio is fit," said Ferguson. "He trained on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and he will start tomorrow."

United were held to a 2-2 draw in last week's first leg at Old Trafford and Ferguson is delighted to have Ferdinand fit and available.

The Red Devils are bidding to become the first English winners in European competition at Porto's intimidating Estadio do Dragao stadium on Wednesday evening.

"There is a lot of quality in Rio's game, so he is obviously going to make a difference," added Ferguson.

"Also it gets us back the partnership between Rio and Nemanja Vidic, which has been the cornerstone of our great defensive performances this season.

"That is the difference he will make."