The defender has been linked with a move to China today- but don’t expect him to leave Old Trafford.
At the start of the season it was conceivable that this could be Rio Ferdinand’s last season at United.
As the campaign has gone on, the defender has become more and more important to Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, and there is little chance he will be allowed to move on in the summer.
With the arrival of Phil Jones, and emergence of Chris Smalling, and Ferdinand’s own injury problems, it was common consensus that the defender’s time at the top could be ticking down.
This season though he has managed to stay relatively clear of injuries, making 27 appearances to date.
Nemanja Vidic’s injury has placed increased spotlight on Ferdinand’s experience, and his manager has been reliant on him at times in the big games.
One of the reasons why Ferdinand has been so important to United is that Phil Jones has failed to step up as hoped.
Jones has had his impressive moments, but by and large these have come when played at right-back, or as a midfielder.
When played at centre-back, Jones has been too much of a liability, and while there is plenty of time for him to turn it around, right now Rio Ferdinand remains the more reliable option.
Ferdinand has formed a solid partnership with defender Jonny Evans, who has answered his own critics with a good run of form, and is set to be handed a new contract.
Chris Smalling has had a difficult season too, hit by illness and injury, and also played out at right-back, and has been unable to dislodge Ferdinand from the side.
When Ferguson taunts Manchester City about their lack of experience in the title run-in, he is acknowledging the assets Ferdinand brings to the team.
He has also been praised by his manager for his influence on young players, being tasked with helping to persuade Paul Pogba to stay. The signs looks good at present, and the player will not want to disappoint his boss.
The player recently said on Twitter that he intends to go into management, and he would be advised to stick around at Old Trafford, and continue to learn from the most successful club manager in English football history.
Next season when Vidic is back, and Jones, Smalling and Evans continue to step up, will be more difficult for Ferdinand as he will be a year over and the youngsters will continue to improve.
But based on his performances this season, he deserves a right to answer that challenge, and has shown there is every reason for the club to hang onto him as long as possible.
A move to China? Forget it.
Do you agree that Ferdinand will still be at United next season?
image: © Paolo Camera
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
