Ferdinand winning fitness battle

Rio Ferdinand looks like giving Manchester United a welcome Champions League boost ahead of tomorrow night’s last 16 decider with Inter Milan at Old Trafford.

Ferdinand appeared to be a major doubt for the game, which is goalless after the first leg in the San Siro a fortnight ago, after he limped out of Saturday’s win at Fulham with an ankle injury.

However, the injury has responded well to treatment and Ferdinand was able to take part in training this morning.

Providing he suffers no reaction, the 30-year-old is expected to line up alongside defensive partner Nemanja Vidic as the Red Devils look for the win that will take them into the quarter-finals.

Although long-term casualties Gary Neville and Wes Brown remain absent, along with Rafael da Silva, the remainder of Alex Ferguson’s squad are available for selection.

The holders are favourites to go through tomorrow night, although Ferguson must end a disappointing sequence of results against Mourinho, having won just once in 13 encounters with the former Chelsea and Porto manager.