The first World Cup qualifiers in Europe brought mixed fortunes for United's internationals. Wayne Rooney was on the winning side after 90 minutes in an England shirt, thanks to two goals from Chelsea's Joe Cole against Andorra.

Manchester United have named their former midfielder Mike Phelan as assistant manager, while Rene Meulensteen becomes first team coach.

Phelan, 45, replaces Carlos Queiroz, who left his position to take over as Portugal's coach in July.

Dutchman Meulensteen is promoted from technical skills development officer.

Rio Ferdinand appears to be coach Fabio Capello's only injury worry as England prepare for the World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Croatia.

Manchester United defender Ferdinand's stiff back saw him miss Wednesday training, but it is thought he will be fit for the two qualifiers.

Manchester United failed to become the ninth British winners of the Uefa Super Cup when they lost narrowly 2-1 to an impressive Zenit St Petersburg in Monaco.

For the first 60 minutes Zenit were comfortably two goals ahead through a fist half header from Pogrebnyak then a wonderful solo effort from Portuguese star Danny on 58 minutes.

Sir Alex has taken a 19-man squad to Monaco for Friday night’s Super Cup clash with Zenit St Petersburg.

The Reds left Manchester Airport on Thursday morning at 09:00 BST and will train at Stade de Louis II later in the day. Kick-off on Friday night is at 19:45 BST.

Manchester United's victory over Portsmouth on Monday was met with relief by Rio Ferdinand who said last night the Premier League champions are determined not to play catch-up for a second consecutive season.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Rio Ferdinand will be captain of the Red Devils one day.

Ferdinand missed out on the England captaincy this week when Fabio Capello plumped for John Terry.

Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic have been nominated for UEFA's European Player of the Year Award.

Last year's Champions League top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo, Liverpool's Fernando Torres and Chelsea's Frank Lampard will all be leading contenders for the award. Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Carles Puyol are also in contention.

Wes Brown says Manchester United teammate Rio Ferdinand will bounce back from missing out on the England captaincy.

Brown said: "Rio will be fine. He knew he had a good chance of being captain and then the gaffer (Capello) picked John Terry so we all just get on with it now.

He may not be the new England captain but Rio Ferdinand will line up for his country tonight as Fabio Cappello’s side host Czech Republic at Wembley (20:00 BST).

John Terry was handed the armband yesterday, while Ferdinand was given the vice-captain role ahead of England’s 2012 World Cup qualifying campaign.