Why Rio, not Rooney, is the key to United's success this season

By David McDonnell

Published 10:41 15/07/10

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Wayne Rooney may be lauded as their most influential player, but it is the fitness of Rio Ferdinand that will determine Manchester United's chances of success next season.

The knee injury which forced Ferdinand out of the World Cup came as no great surprise to those who witnessed at close-hand Ferdinand's injury-ravaged season and the succession of problems that stemmed from his ongoing back problem.

Ferdinand may divide opinion, from those who bemoan his occasional concentration lapses to those who acclaim his reading of the game, but when he is fit he remains one of the most accomplished defenders in world football.

And his central defensive partnership with Nemanja Vidic, when he too is fully fit, is one of the most formidable there is, Ferdinand's cultured approach the perfect complement to his team-mate's robust, uncompromising style.

The fact Ferdinand and Vidic played less than a dozen games together last season was one of the major reasons why United only had the Carling Cup to show for their efforts at the end of the campaign, the solidity and reliability they transmit leaving Sir Alex Ferguson's side vulnerable in their absence.

If Ferdinand once again finds himself a hostage to injury next season, with him certain to miss the start after undergoing knee surgery this summer, United will struggle. Jonny Evans is competent defender but has had his own share of injuries with a persistent ankle problem, as has Wes Brown, who cannot be relied upon to last a full campaign.

Gary Neville falls into that category too, and can only be used as a stop-gap in central defence, ditto John O'Shea, while new signing Chris Smalling cannot be expected to slot straight into the United first-team following his move from Fulham.

That is why it is crucial for United that Ferdinand makes a full recovery this summer and stays fit next season. At 31 and with his debilitating back problem, he cannot play every game like he used to, and his appearances will be rationed to prevent the kind of nightmare campaign he had last season, when he made just 12 Premier League appearances.

But it is imperative for United that Ferdinand is able to resume his successful partnership with Vidic and prove his is not a career in terminal decline. If not, United could be looking at another season of disappointment and self-recrimination.

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