Ferguson makes Rio pledge

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson insists Rio Ferdinand will face Tottenham on Sunday, no matter what the result of his Football Association hearing.

A verdict is expected today after the central defender failed to report for a drugs test in September. Ferguson made his views known before leaving for the hearing at Bolton’s Reebok Stadium, where he is to be a character witness for the central defender.

Speaking at United’s Carrington training complex, Ferguson said: “It is my intention for Rio to play on Sunday.

“It’s not ideal preparation but hopefully he’s got the temperament to handle it.

“He’ll have a training session tomorrow. He’s not had any training sessions today or yesterday. That’s the only concern, but he will have a good session tomorrow.”