Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester United's tough start may be a blessing in disguise

Defender says the squad must hit the ground running ahead of a tough start to life at Manchester United for new boss David Moyes

Jack de Menezes
Thursday 20 June 2013 17:00 BST
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Rio Ferdinand
Rio Ferdinand

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has had his say on their difficult start to the new season, claiming that early clashes with Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City could be a blessing in disguise.

Following former midfielder Quinton Fortune’s comments questioning whether someone at the Premier League had a grievance with new manager David Moyes, Ferdinand actually feels that the tricky run could work to Moyes’ benefit.

He told the BBC: “This will just really focus the guys and when we come back into pre-season we know we have to hit the ground running.

"This could be a blessing in disguise for the new manager and for the squad,” added the former England captain.

Despite Ferdinand’s comment, a poor run of form early on could mount considerable pressure onto Moyes, who will be looking to emerge from Sir Alex Ferguson’s shadow as he takes the reins at Old Trafford.

But the centre-back insists that even a bad start will not affect the way the squad goes about its business.

We don't think about the reaction if we start badly," he continued. "We expect the results to go our way and to do well.

"We have a hard run of games but that is part and parcel of being a top footballer, you have to be ready at all times.

"If we finish that run of five or six games at the beginning of the season and we're in good shape, who knows what is possible?"

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