Ferdinand so proud to take his place with United legends

RIO FERDINAND is well on the way to becoming part of Manchester United folklore, just as he wanted when he joined the Red Devils from Leeds in 2002.

The defender took some time to make an real impact at Old Trafford.

Although his first season ended in a Premier League title, his second was scarred by an infamous missed drugs test that landed him an eight-month ban. His return coincided with a fallow period for Alex Ferguson’s side. Since 2007 though, Ferdinand has made up for lost time.

The 32-year-old will collect his fifth championship medal after Sunday’s Premier League encounter with Blackpool and then, on May 28, he will appear in his third European Cup final.

“When I first came to United, all I thought about was making sure I etched myself a little bit within the history of the club, and to do that meant winning trophies,” Ferdinand said.

“To be part of a club with such great history and of a successful team within that history is the icing on the cake.”

Once United have collected a record 19th title this weekend, minds will be fully focused on beating Barcelona in the Champions League final.

Against Barcelona two years ago, United let themselves down badly.

They have no intention of experiencing similar misery this time.

But Ferdinand is wise enough to realise if the Red Devils are to triumph, they will do so only by shackling Lionel Messi, the man currently rated the world’s best player.

“Messi is one of the best players in the world,” said Ferdinand.

“He can hurt you anywhere on the pitch.

“But it’s not just going to be down to one or two people taking care of someone like him, the whole team has to do it.’’

* Barcelona received a final boost yesterday after UEFA dismissed allegations of racist abuse made against Sergio Busquets, paving the way for the midfielder to play against United.