Valencia injury won't stop us insists Rio - MirrorFootball.co.uk

Rio Ferdinand says Manchester United have the players to cope with the loss of in-form winger Antonio Valencia.

Valencia, arguably United's best player in recent weeks, has been ruled out for a month after suffering a hamstring injury in Thursday's 2-0 Europa League win away to Ajax.

The Ecuador midfielder had been on the field for only a matter of minutes as a substitute when he sustained the injury playing his part in United's second goal of the game.

Valencia will miss Premier League games with Norwich, Tottenham and West Brom, as well as the next round of the Europa League against Lokomotiv Moscow or Athletic Bilbao, provided United progress.

But with Nani having returned from injury against Ajax and Ashley Young continuing his progress after being sidelined for six weeks, Ferdinand said he was confident United have enough cover.

"It's a really big blow because Antonio's been a fantastic player for us this season," said Ferdinand.

"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 in Amsterdam was midfielder Tom Cleverley, who made his first appearance for United since October 29, when an ankle injury kept him sidelined for two-and-a-half months.

Ferdinand hailed Cleverley's return as a timely boost for United and said: "Tom's got a lot of energy.

"He's a good passer of the ball and an all-round player.

"He's the sort of guy who's going to be beneficial to the team, so it's good to see him back."

Young, scorer of United's first goal against Ajax, revealed his determination to play a key role in their push for the title, after his debut season at the club was disrupted by an ankle injury.

"I'm glad to be back after six weeks out," said Young.

"I was on the sidelines and I just wanted to get back out there and start playing again.

"For any player being injured is the worst thing. I've not had too many injuries but being out for six weeks was annoying. I just wanted to get back fully fit.

"I've enjoyed it a lot [at United] and there's plenty to come. There are plenty of games and points to play for.

"It's easy to mould yourself into the United way of playing. All the players who joined in the summer have been able to do it.

"We have that philosophy of going out to play football and have the confidence to play. That's what the manager instils in us all."

Asked for his goals this season, Young said: "Winning the title race and winning the Europa League. That's what we're involved in and that's what we want to do."

18 Feb, 2012

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