Fergie issues Rio defence

Sir Alex Ferguson has launched a robust defence of Rio Ferdinand against claims by former England boss Graham Taylor that the defender's "legs have gone''.

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Ferdinand: Has been short of his best for club and country

Taylor believes Ferdinand's best years are behind him, he will no longer be a force for his country and may struggle to maintain his form for Manchester United, but the United boss has vehemently defended his centre-back.

Ferguson himself called into question Ferdinand's form last week but he insists that the England international has the quality to recover from a blip, something he feels many of his high profile players have had to deal with over the years.

"In my time here, we have always had one of our star players finding he gets criticised when he has a little blip,'' he said. "It seems to be part and parcel of being a player at Manchester United. We are all aware of that.

"No player likes to be criticised. We all like to be loved and want arms around our shoulders at times. But he will come out of it - there is no question about that. There is no discernible depreciation in his qualities - none at all.''

The solution, as far as Ferguson is concerned, is straightforward. As Ferdinand has stated himself, what he needs is a run of games.

But after being ruled out of the Champions League clash with CSKA Moscow along with defensive partner Nemanja Vidic, there is an element of doubt over whether Ferguson will throw him straight into the lion's den to take on Premier League leaders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

"Playing with injury is not the easiest thing to do, and we are trying to get it right,'' Ferguson said. "Calf injuries can be troublesome. If you don't arrest it and give it proper treatment then you can end up the way we are now, and playing in games when you are not 100% fit.

"It is difficult to say about the weekend. He is doing some good work, and we hope we will see improvement in the two of them.''