Ferdinand confident over fitness

(GETTY IMAGES)

Rio Ferdinand is confident he will be fully fit for the new season.

Ferdinand was restricted to just one game on Manchester United's tour of Africa, missing the opening match in Cape Town due to a back injury, then heading home before the weekend to be with his wife, who is expecting the couple's second child.

However, Ferdinand remains unconcerned by his lack of match action and he should play in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's testimonial game against Espanyol at Old Trafford on Saturday.

"I don't see it as a problem," said 30-year-old Ferdinand.

"There are enough games to get under my belt before the start of the season."

Although the knee problems which forced Solskjaer to retire means he can no longer play properly on the training ground, he has vowed to make it back onto the Old Trafford pitch one last time this weekend for 20 minutes.

His appearance is sure to be well received by supporters who will never forget Solskjaer's 1999 Champions League final injury-time matchwinner against Bayern Munich.

Tickets for the game are on general sale and will be available up to kick-off on Saturday.