Rio Ferdinand back for Hull game

Rio Ferdinand will make his long-awaited return for Manchester United in Saturday's Premier League encounter with Hull at Old Trafford.

Ferdinand has not played since United's 2-0 defeat at Liverpool on October 25, a persistent back problem sidelining the central defender for the past three months.

But Ferdinand has been in full training with United this week and Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to re-unite him with central defensive partner Nemanja Vidic for the visit of Hull.

United have lost five times since Ferdinand's enforced absence and Fergie believes the consistency that has eluded his side will return once he has his first-choice defence back.

Ferdinand's return to action will also be a huge boost for England boss Fabio Capello, who harboured concerns about the defender's fitness for this summer's World Cup in South Africa.