Ferdinand IS Fit

Rio Ferdinand will be fit for the game at the Emirates against Arsenal.

Reports suggested the 28-year-old defender had undergone a scan amid fears he had suffered a recurrence of a groin problem he sustained last season.

But a club statement said: "Rio Ferdinand is fit to face Arsenal. He trained with the rest of the squad on Tuesday, and is considered fully fit and ready to play against the Gunners."

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been buoyed by the good news coming out of Old Trafford.

He said: "We have had some incredible injury situations, but over the last few years we've been like that at early season with a lot of injuries. I hope and pray that by the time we come to December - because the second half of the season is where it really begins - we have got a good strong squad together.

"I feel that once we get that strong squad together we are capable of going and winning the league again."