Manchester United Goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar Welcomes Return Of Rio Ferdinand

Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has welcomed the return of long-term injury victim Rio Ferdinand.

Ferdinand, 31, has endured two seasons of setbacks after a chronic back problem restricted his appearances. This issue was accentuated during World Cup 2010 when he damaged knee ligaments and was sidelined for five months.

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Van der Sar hailed the centre-back's presence after United recorded consecutive clean sheets against Valencia and Sunderland with him in the side.

He said: “If you look at the last two matches you could say we are getting our act together at the back. That is the good side.

“It is nice when you get your experienced players back.

“Rio has done really, really well. He has been working hard to get his fitness back.

“He has had the disappointment of missing the World Cup and not captaining England over in South Africa.

“Hopefully all the hard work he has put in is going to pay off and he’ll have a good season without too many missed games.”