Rio: No medals handed out yet

Rio Ferdinand has joined the throng happy to heap praise on Robin van Persie — but the Manchester United defender is acutely aware judgment will only come when trophies are being handed out.

Van Persie landed both the PFA and FWA player of the year prizes last term for his outstanding form at Arsenal.

Yet, much as Arsene Wenger views Champions League qualification as an end in itself, the Dutchman remained unfulfilled.