Rio is captaincy material: Ferguson

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson sees Rio Ferdinand as a future captain of his club.

Ferguson’s endorsement of his star defender comes a day after England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson hailed him as a future leader of his country.

Ferdinand, who recently returned from an eight-month ban, is expected to be recalled by Eriksson today for next week’s World Cup qualifier against Wales.

Ferguson said: “I am looking at Rio as potential captaincy material. There are different types of captains. Eric Cantona led by example on the pitch and after the game sat down with the players and talked to them.

“Then you have your traditional, driving United captains – Bryan Robson, Steve Bruce and Roy Keane.

“I think Rio has a bit of both styles. He’s got composure on the ball – but he’ll also get to players.”