Fergie: Rio must adapt to his new supporting role

ALEX FERGUSON insists Rio Ferdinand still has a major role to play at Manchester United — even if his days as an automatic starter are over.

Ferdinand, who will turn 33 on Monday, was unusually singled out by Ferguson for criticism in the wake of what the United manager felt was kamikaze defending in the 6-1 drubbing at home to Manchester City.

Given much-publicised injury problems that date back almost three years and the fact Ferdinand has been omitted from starting line-ups against Arsenal, Norwich and on Saturday at Everton this season, in addition to losing his place in Fabio Capello’s England squad, it is understandable why so many people are writing the defender off.