Ferdinand out of Boro game

Alex Ferguson revealed Rio Ferdinand would be out for up to 10 days after the England defender withdrew before Manchester United’s 1-0 win at Stoke.

Ferdinand pulled out of the game at the Britannia Stadium with a back problem and the Red Devils boss admitted the player would miss United’s next game against Middlesbrough at Old Trafford on Monday.

Ferguson told Sky Sports 1: “He’ll be out. We have to get to the root of this.”

When asked if his captain would be ruled out for a long time, Ferguson added: “Not necessarily; maybe in 10 days he should be okay.”