MORAN BACKS RIO TO IMPROVE UNITED'S DEFENCE

Last updated : 05 August 2004 By editor

Ex-United defender Kevin Moran believes that Rio Ferdinand will make a major difference to our chances when he returns from suspension.

"United missed Rio pretty badly towards the end of the season. It's sad really because five or six weeks before his ban started he had just started playing the best football of his time at United.

"I don't think anyone doubted his talent but, like many others before him, it took him a while to adjust to the size of the club which often happens. There are scores of excellent players who have come to United and struggled but Rio looked like he was just getting to grips with the situation when he was suspended.

"United need him to recapture that form when he comes back because even though they won the FA Cup, I'm sure Sir Alex Ferguson will be looking for a big improvement in the major competitions."