Fergie salutes cool Rio

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson saluted Rio Ferdinand for his cool performance in his team’s win at Leeds today.

Ferguson had no hesitation in playing Ferdinand, even though he is in trouble with the Football Association for failing to attend a routine drugs test.

The manager’s reward was an assured display from the England centre-back as United went to the top of the Premier League with a 1-0 victory, courtesy of Roy Keane’s late goal.

“I can’t think of a better performance by Rio, particularly in the situation,” said Ferguson.

“I thought he was fantastic – but I also thought the Leeds fans were pretty fair, to be honest.”

Ferguson was also full of praise for youngsters Cristiano Ronaldo and Darren Fletcher.

“They’ve got fabulous qualities, and we can look at them in terms of European football,” he said.

Ferguson hopes Ryan Giggs, who missed today’s clash through illness, will recover in time for Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Rangers at Ibrox.

“Ryan took sick during the night. But I hope he will be ready for Wednesday when his experience in Europe will be vital,” Ferguson told Sky Sports News.

Leeds gave perhaps their best defensive performance of the season to contain and frustrate United – but they carried little threat up front.

Leeds boss Peter Reid said: “The game plan nearly worked, but that’s why United are where they are.

“They sniffed out a chance. It was a good cross from Gary Neville and a good header from Roy Keane at the back post.

“Paul Scholes was finding space by dropping deep early in the game, and we dropped Alan Smith deeper to enable David Batty to get closer to Scholes.

“I thought my boys did well overall – but all credit to Manchester United.”