'Even though he was more of an athlete in his younger days he would make the odd mistake through his casualness,' said the United boss.

'He had that wee trait in him. Now you don't get any mistakes at all.'

Ferguson revealed that Ferdinand, who has made 391 United appearances since his £30million arrival from Leeds in July 2002, is being treated carefully after being restricted to only 12 outings in 2009-10 and just half of the League fixtures last season.

Ferguson said: 'We don't train him every day. We have a quiet day, as we call it. Rio is 34 in November and he should be OK for another season anyway. Rio is as good as any centre-half in England. He and John Terry are the only experienced defenders England have got.'

He added: 'He has not been in the squad and that is a decision for the next England manager. If it was me then I would take him.'

« Previous123Next »