Ferdinand legend will survive

Thursday, 06/10/2011

by Amit Mistry, Shoot's Man United blogger

One of the top transfer rumours this week was that MLS side Chicago Fire were interested in signing Rio Ferdinand. News of such a move sends out a strong message to all those in the footballing world: Ferdinand is now past his best and should live out his final days in the lucrative MLS league.

We have seen David Beckham, Robbie Keane and Thierry Henry move to the MLS in their twilight years.

Ferdinand was once considered one of the best defenders in the world and shocked everyone when he transferred to Manchester United for a record £30m in 2002. He impressed in the 2002 World Cup and Sir Alex had found his new defensive rock. In his time, he has won the Premier League on five occasions, the League Cup twice and the Champions League in 2008.

His absence was most felt when he was banned from football for eight months after failing to attend a drugs test. United did struggle to maintain their defensive form that season and little silverware was won that year.

Now past his peak, he no longer commands a first-team place. He was relegated to the bench for the game against Norwich on the weekend after the disappointing draw against Basle in midweek. And now, he has been omitted from the England squad ahead of the Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro. This highlights the gradual and inevitable decline of his footballing career.

A number of reasons can be cited for this. For the past few years, he has been suffering from a lack of fitness and form due to chronic injuries. And now more recently, his future at United is also threatened by the emergence of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling. Both of these defenders have stepped up to the plate and Sir Alex shows no hesistance in placing these young players in the big games.

In addition, Sir Alex also has other options. Jonny Evans can be an able deputy, but I doubt he will become a great defender. On-loan defender, Richie De Laet is finally getting Premier League experience with Norwich City and is also impressing. He is described to be on the cusp on being ready to join the United squad, and is likely to link up with the rest of the team at the start of the next season.

But despite not being able to play, Ferdinand can continue to mentor the young defenders whilst he’s in their midst. His mental composure, experience and anticipation are vital qualities that he can share with his younger counterparts.

Rio will be turning 33 this year and age is creeping up with him. He may last one more season at United, but I struggle to see him stay for any longer.

By then, the likes of Jones and Smalling will be ready to become his successor. Ferdinand is likely to remain with United as long as he can because he has become accustomed to playing at the top level of football. He does also have a life outside of football, which makes it uncertain as to whether he will stay in football in a coaching capacity.

Nevertheless, he will retain a place in the United Hall of Fame alongside the great United defenders such as Jaap Stam and Gary Pallister.

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