Losing to brother bugs Rio

RIO FERDINAND has claimed Manchester United would have accepted their present Premier League position if they had been offered it at the start of the campaign — but it has still been a horrible Christmas for the England star.

A narrow victory over Birmingham yesterday kept United two points behind current pace-setters Arsenal, giving them every chance of retaining their title.

But last Saturday’s defeat at West Ham has put a frown on Ferdinand’s face. Not only did he have to suffer the indignity of losing against his former club, he had to watch brother Anton score the goal that brought the Hammers level.