Ferdinand intent on leaving Man Utd on a ‘high note’

11 April 2012

When Rio Ferdinand’s career does finally finish, the defender wants to make sure he leavesManchester United on a winning note.

The 33-year old centre-back has another year on his current deal, and insists he wants to play on after that, but nevertheless, he wants to ensure that whenever he does end his playing days that it’s positive.

"There are not many players who leave this club doing exactly what they want to do," he said.

"It wouldn't be good finishing your career with a loss, or by not winning something.

"The losses now do my head in. To think I wouldn't be able to rectify it the season after because I had retired or left would rankle.

"I am not thinking about retirement. I am trying to play as long as I can. I have another year after this and I want to do another 10.

"But whenever it is, I would want to go out on a high note."

Wigan Athletic vs Manchester United Preview

Premier League Preview: Wigan - Manchester United

Roberto Martinez prepares to face United, but will be aware of three 5-0 defeats the Latics have suffered in their previous five meetings with Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

April 11, 2012 

PROBABLE LINEUPS

WIGAN ATHLETIC Al-HabsiAlcaraz, Caldwell, Figueroa Boyce, McCarthy, McArthur, Beausejour Moses, Maloney Di Santo

MANCHESTER UNITED De GeaRafael, Evans, Ferdinand, Evra Valencia, Scholes, Carrick, Young Rooney, Chicharito

Neither team has any suspensions to worry about but there are injuries afflicting both squads.

Roberto Martinez is without Colombian striker Hugo Rodallega for the visit of Manchester United but it is the away side which has more players on the treatment table.

Midfielder Anderson remains sidelined with a hamstring injury but could return next week. However in better news, Nani and Michael Owen are both expected to be fit for selection for the trip to the DW Stadium.

The Latics have no long-term injury concerns, but Sir Alex Ferguson will have to wait until the summer for the return of Nemanja Vidic and Darren Fletcher. Goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard also remains a long-term doubt.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Wigan has a terrible recent record against its visitor, recording an enormous 21-0 deficit in the last five encounters.

• The home side have never so much as taken a point off United in any meeting between the sides.

• Wigan has scored just four times in the 14 matches.

• Victor Moses (right), Franco Di Santo and Jordi Gomez are the home side's top goalscorers this year with a paltry four goals each.

• In contrast, Wayne Rooney has 30 goals to his name in one of his most impressive campaigns.

• Roberto Martinez's side has lost just once in its last five games though, and was unfortunate to leave Stamford Bridge empty-handed following two officiating blunders.

• The club has also found its shooting boots, scoring in the last five fixtures.

Manchester United vs QPR Player Ratings

Manchester United

2 vs 0

QPR

Played
April 8, 2012 8:30 AM EDT
Old Trafford — Manchester
Referee:‬ L. Mason‎
Attendance:‬ 75505‎

15′ (PG) Wayne Rooney

 

68′ Paul Scholes

 

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 Comments (46)

 

  

Player Ratings: Manchester United 2-0 QPR

Goals from Rooney and Scholes see off 10-man Rangers after controversial penalty decision as Sir Alex Ferguson's side piles the pressure on Manchester City

 

By Greg Stobart at Old Trafford

4Share

 Manchester United

David de Gea

63

2

6.0

The Spaniard had virtually nothing to do in the 90 minutes.

Patrice Evra

40

8

6.0

Assured defensively and constantly joined the attack, playing some astute passes in the final third.

Rio Ferdinand

45

3

6.0

Often spare and had very little to do as United cruised to victory.

Jonny Evans

46

4

6.0

Kept his concentration to cover on the rare occasions that QPR attacked, often through Taarabt cutting in from the left. Good use of the ball as United monopolised possession.

Rafael Da Silva

54

7

7.0

Excellent attacking outlet as he continually supported Valencia on the overlap and played almost as an extra midfielder. Committed tackling but sometimes rash and was eventually booked for repeated offences.

Michael Carrick

66

1

7.5

Sat in midfield and dictated United's passing. Has an excellent understanding with Scholes and nearly scored himself with a wonderful effort from 30 yards that smacked against the post.

Ashley Young

38

24

6.0

The winger was heavily involved in the turning point of the game in the 14th minute. Having initially been in an offside position, he took an embarrassing dive under a challenge from Derry that resulted in a penalty and red card. Provided good balance on the left side and his deliveries into the box were dangerous. Replaced by Giggs in the 61st minute.

Paul Scholes

Top of the Match

114

1

8.0

A vintage display from the United legend, capped by a trademark goal drilled into the bottom corner from 25 yards. Drifted around Old Trafford with well-merited arrogance, demanding the ball and dominating the match. Played some jaw-dropping passes, especially when he looked right towards Valencia and Rafael. Given a deserved rest as he was replaced by Cleverley in the 74th minute.

Antonio Valencia

68

2

7.0

The in-form Ecuadorian hugged the touchline and looked to run at Taiwo. Had less space than usual as QPR sat deep, but his crossing was threatening and he was clever in the way he cut inside.

Wayne Rooney

53

5

6.0

One of his quieter game but still kept his cool from the spot to drill United into the lead in the 15th minute. Tested Kenny with a couple of curlers from around the edge of the box and linked up well with the midfield when he dropped deep.

Danny Welbeck

34

28

5.5

Constantly on the move, looking to stretch the QPR defence. Improved as the game went on but his finishing was rather scruffy despite getting into good positions.

• Substitutions

Phil Jones

29

2

6.0

Replaced Rafael in the 74th minute and slotted in comfortably at right-back.

Ryan Giggs

26

2

6.0

Game on for Young in the 61st minute. Played some neat passes as United kept possession and saw the game out.

Tom Cleverley

33

2

6.0

A tidy display after replacing Scholes 16 minutes from time.

 QPR

Paddy Kenny

11

0

7.5

Could do nothing about Rooney's penalty but made some very sharp saves, most notably to keep out Rafael and Welbeck in the second-half. Decent handling throughout in slippery conditions and made himself big when needed.

Clint Hill

2

2

6.0

Looked off the pace in the first 20 minutes but then settled down and got a better handle on Welbeck's movement. Clumsy on the turn.

Taye Taiwo

2

3

5.0

Strong and powerful but had a tough afternoon against Valencia, who he gave too much space in the second-half.

Anton Ferdinand

3

2

6.0

Classy reading of the game and made some good blocks, although he tired late on.

Nedum Onuoha

2

1

6.0

Solid defensively up against Young and then Giggs. Could have been more ambitious on the ball but appeared to be under instructions not to cross the halfway line.

Samba Diakité

2

1

5.5

Tenacious display and won some strong challenges in the first-half.

Adel Taarabt

4

4

5.5

The mercurial Moroccan was probably the visitors' most dangerous attacking player, but that's not saying much. Kept his position better than might have been expected but conceded possession too easily, including in the lead-up to Scholes' goal.

A. Buzsaky

2

3

5.0

Rather bypassed throughout the game. Had little influence when in possession.

Shaun Derry

4

6

6.0

The QPR captain was unfortunate to get sent-off in the 14th minute after making minimal contact with Young as United were awarded a penalty.

Jamie Mackie

3

2

6.0

Kept going throughout the game and showed some drive with his head-down dribbles. Final ball was poor, however, due to a combination of poor execution and a lack of support.

Jay Bothroyd

Flop of the Match

6

5

4.0

Extremely isolated as QPR's lone striker and had no real sights on goal. Lack of technique meant he wasn't able to hold the ball up and relieve pressure.

• Substitutions

Shaun Wright-Phillips

3

1

6.0

Came on in the 71st minute but had no influence with the result already beyond doubt.

DJ Campbell

3

0

N/A

Came on for Bothroyd nine minutes from time.

Tommy Smith

2

1

6.0

Replaced Taarabt in the 71st minute and was busy and energetic out wide.