Rio Past His Best ?

Rio Ferdinand has had a successful illustrious career with Manchester United, but following the summer signing of Phil Jones, the brilliant consistency of Chris Smalling, and the return to form of Johnny Evans, Ferdinand now faces the prospect of having to try and win his place back in the first team.

Ferdinand has gone through his career at old Trafford virtually guaranteed a first team start when fit, but a recent injury has in my opinion put his United future in serious doubt. Sir Alex has successfully moved players on in the past at the right time, and I fear that the curtain could soon come down on Ferdinand's career due to his age, injury problems, and the strong youthful competition for the centre back spot.

Sir Alex has always tried to protect his young player's and ease them into his first team, but Ferdinand's injury allowed Phil Jones to unexpectedly get his chance to stake a claim for the centre back position and has done himself no harm with his early season performances earning positive praise.

Rio's best days are now behind him, his experience could be the key to him returning to the side when back to full fitness as he is a big game player, but I would not be the slightest bit surprised to see him remain on the bench or even for Sir Alex to consider selling him when the time is right to cash in on him and allow the youngsters to flourish.

Rio must know deep down that there is now a major threat to his position for the first time in his time with the red's. If Ferdinand did leave we would have Vidic, Smalling, Jones & Evans all battling for the centre back position's so we would have strong healthy competition for places.