'FERGIE TO MAKE RIO PAY'

Last updated : 21 August 2005 By Ed

The Sunday Mirror:

Rio Ferdinand faces the prospect of another captaincy snub this week as Sir Alex Ferguson looks for a man to lead Manchester United into Europe.

Ferdinand, earmarked by Ferguson last year as the long-term successor to Roy Keane, was overlooked for the armband in the Irishman's absence during pre-season as his contract dispute raged.

The £30million England defender finally signed a new four-year deal on the eve of United's Champions League qualifying clash with Debrecen 11 days ago.

And with Keane almost certain to be rested for the return in Budapest on Wednesday with the Reds 3-0 ahead, he will be hoping his return to Fergie's fold is completed with a call to captain the team.