Injury news – Rio Ferdinand out until early September
Published:Manchester United’s hopes for getting their Premier League title challenge off to a good start have been hit by the news that Rio Ferdinand may not return to action until early September.
Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed the England captain is still six weeks away from full fitness meaning he will miss United’s opening match with Newcastle United, which they are 6/1 to win 1-0.
Ferdinand’s recurrent injuries are a concern for Ferguson, with the defender only managing 13 league games last year.
Should he be restricted to a similar number this season, United’s hopes of regaining the Premier League, at 2/1, will be seriously hampered.
However, as one hand taketh away, the other giveth, as Nemanja Vidic has verbally agreed to sign a new £90,000-a-week contract at the club lasting until 2014.
The 28-year-old Serb has been the source of much speculation, with Ferguson admitting to doubts about his future just days ago.
“We’ve shaken hands on it and we’re confident it will all be signed and sealed in early August,” said chief executive David Gill.
The announcement will be a major boost to United, with Vidic becoming one of the most important players at the club since joining in January 2006.
Currently on holiday after the World Cup, Vidic will not feature in the pre-season match against Kansas City Chiefs, which kicks off at 11pm tonight.
United are 2/7 to make it three wins out of three on their American tour, and look a good bet at 5/1 to beat the MLS side 2-0.
How will Rio Ferdinand’s injury affect Manchester United’s title chances? They are 15/1 to be the team with the most points at the end of the Premier League if given a two point head start. See the full Manchester United betting market.
