Manchester United can cope with loss of Antonio Valencia insists Rio Ferdinand
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Rio Ferdinand is confident Manchester United will cope without Antonio Valencia for the next four weeks.
Valencia was only on the field for a matter of minutes in Amsterdam last night, but pulled a hamstring as he helped create Javier Hernandez's match-clinching effort in the 2-0 Europa League win over Ajax.
Although the winger was immediately replaced by Sir Alex Ferguson, the United boss confirmed afterwards that Valencia would be missing for the next four weeks.
The period includes testing Barclays Premier League trips at Norwich and Tottenham, in addition to a Europa League last-16 clash with either Lokomotiv Moscow or Athletic Bilbao providing United progress.
As Valencia has arguably been the Red Devils' best player over the past month, the 26-year-old is going to be missed.
However, as Nani made his comeback from injury against Ajax and Ashley Young continued his search for full fitness by scoring his first goal since September, Ferdinand is confident United have the strength they need.
"It's a really big blow because Antonio's been a fantastic player for us this season," he said.
"But when somebody gets injured or loses form at this club the manager can always call upon another player to perform.
"This is the stage of the season where we need players back and a few of the lads got some good minutes under their belts."
Amongst that group was midfielder Tom Cleverley.
Rated so highly by Ferguson after a blistering start to the season that propelled him into the England squad, Cleverley was ruled out for six weeks when he injured his foot at Bolton at the beginning of September.
Cleverley was just two games into his comeback when he suffered an ankle problem at Everton that ruled him out for over three and a half months.
There were fleeting glimpses last night of the energy Cleverley can bring to United ranks.
And while he will need more game time to rediscover his sharpness, Ferdinand knows what an asset he could be.
"Tom's got a lot of energy," the 33-year-old said.
"He is a good passer of the ball and an all-round player. He is the sort of guy who's going to be beneficial to the team, so it's good to see him back."
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments