Manchester United defender Gerard Pique is ready to play if called for tomorrow night's Champions League tie with Roma.

Rio Ferdinand has given Sir Alex Ferguson another defensive headache after leaving the Riverside with his foot in a protective case following Manchester United's 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough.

United can ill afford to lose Ferdinand for long with fellow centre-back Nemanja Vidic out for three weeks and some crucial matches coming up in the Premier League and Champions League.

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is prepared to battle teammates for the England captaincy.

"I just do my job for Manchester United and if the England manager deems that good enough to make me captain of England even if it is only for one game that's great," said Ferdinand.

"It was a fantastic honour but it is a different situation when you are all competing for the captaincy.

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is in line to be handed the England captaincy for the friendly against the United States.

The Daily Mail says Rooney is in line to be England captain for the friendly against the United States in May as Fabio Capello contemplates calling up Dean Ashton to solve his striker crisis.

Rio Ferdinand lived the dream of leading England out as captain on Wednesday night, but there was no fairytale ending as the Three Lions slumped to a 1-0 defeat in the Stade de France.

A first-half Frank Ribery penalty was enough to hand the home side victory in a match that also saw David Beckham win his 100th England cap.

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand admits he is "honoured" to be handed the England captaincy for tonight's friendly in France.

Ferdinand admitted he is "living the dream" after being chosen by Capello to lead England in the Stade de France.

Nemanja Vidic has revealed he's close to Manchester United defensive partner Rio Ferdinand on and off the pitch.

Vidic said: "Rio and I have a great partnership and we are good mates. It was difficult when I first came here because my English was not so good, but now it's much better.

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand says they can be satisfied with Wednesday night's 1-1 draw at Olympique Lyon.

Ferdinand said: "I think first and foremost you have to get results. In Europe particularly, performances come second. I thought we played well against Lyon in parts.

Rio Ferdinand admits it would be devastating if Manchester United finished the season with nothing to show for their excellent form.
The England centre-back said: "I feel we've put so much into this season that to throw it all away now with bad performances and results would be criminal.

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand sees similarities between manager Sir Alex Ferguson and England coach Fabio Capello.

He said: "My club boss commands respect because of his achievements, his work ethic and the ideals he manages by.

"That runs throughout the club and that seems apparent in the way this new manager is.