Rio makes Reserves return

Rio Ferdinand returned to competitive action in the Reserves' Manchester Senior Cup clash with Oldham Athletic.

The defender, who was denied the chance to captain England in the summer's World Cup by knee ligament damage, completed 45 minutes at Bower Fold, and showed no ill-effects during his return.

Ferdinand was largely untroubled during his outing, and left the fray at half-time with the game goalless. Second half goals from Nicky Ajose and Kiko Macheda secured a 2-1 win for United, while Rio watched on from the stands.

In a further boost to Sir Alex Ferguson's senior squad, Brazilian midfielder Anderson completed 90 minutes in his own ongoing return from knee ligament damage

Man Utd's Ferdinand accepts fitness demands of Capello

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand accepts England coach Fabio Capello's requirements for next year's World Cup squad.

The Italian will insist on the squad being 100 per cent focused on trying to lift football's major prize for the first time in 44 years.

Ferdinand said: "It's only right for him not to take players if they are injured. If we want to win, we need everyone firing and going on all cylinders. This manager is very black and white in his thinking. Either you are fit or you are not.

"Too many times in the past we've been umming and ahhing on too many players in previous tournaments. This manager doesn't work like that. He doesn't take anything for granted or chance.

"If he feels someone is going to have a positive effect on the team, then they'll be on the plane. If you're carrying an injury, I very much doubt you'll get on the plane.

"That is the big difference with this manager. He wouldn't allow a distraction.

"There have been distractions over the last few World Cups, whether they've been injuries or loads of other things.

"This manager will try and keep things as football orientated as possible."