Fergie backs Ferdinand

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has questioned Rio Ferdinand's form amid reports that the defender could be dropped by club and country.

The England centre-back has come under scrutiny after a series of blunders over the past month, which have led to suggestions that he could be past his best.

Ferdinand gifted Craig Bellamy a goal in the Manchester derby in September and then his error led to England goalkeeper Robert Green being sent off against Ukraine at the start of October.

The 30-year-old was also at fault on Sunday when he could not match Fernando Torres for pace and power as the Spaniard scored Liverpool's opener in a 2-0 win.

As a result Ferguson has questioned whether Ferdinand, who has struggled with injuries, is producing the required displays to earn a place in the England squad for the 2010 World Cup.

The United boss said in The Sun: "He has to get good form. That's an important issue for the coach to pick the right team.

"In defence you've maybe got more options than other positions. He'll need to get his form right."