Ferdinand makes Porto trip

Rio Ferdinand was included in the Manchester United squad to face FC Porto tomorrow as Alex Ferguson’s men try to resurrect their Champions League defence.

Ferdinand missed last week’s home draw with a groin injury suffered on international duty. But the England star did make the flight to Portugal and will partner Nemanja Vidic in central defence if fit.

Brazilian full-back Rafael da Silva also made the journey, along with fellow countryman Anderson, giving Ferguson all the options he wanted as United try to become the first English team to beat Porto on their own ground.

Team (from): Van der Sar, Foster, Kuszczak; Neville, Evra, Ferdinand, Vidic, Rafael, Fabio, O’Shea, J. Evans; Ronaldo, Anderson, Scholes, Gibson, Carrick, Park, Nani, Giggs; Rooney, Tevez, Berbatov, Macheda.