Ferdinand happy with fitness level ahead of return

RIO FERDINAND believes a strict training regime prepared for him by Manchester United's new fitness coach will stand him in good stead for his return from suspension next month.

Ferdinand is able to play from September 20 after serving an eight-month ban for missing a drugs test. He has not played competitive football since the turn of the year but Italian fitness coach Valter di Salvo is preparing the England central defender for his return.

Ferdinand said: "Carlos Queiroz has brought in Valter di Salvo, our new fitness coach. And because I'm not playing at the moment, he has been running me into the ground.