Rio will be ready

Rio Ferdinand has moved to play down fears a back strain could prevent him from playing in the Premier League opener.

The England international has made just one pre-season appearance for Manchester United - against Orlando Pirates - and cut short his participation in South Africa to fly home to be with his partner who is expecting their second child.

However, the influential defender is confident he will get enough game time in before the Double winners entertain Newcastle at Old Trafford on August 17.

"I don't see it as a problem," he said. "There's enough games to get under my belt before the start of the season.

"Fingers crossed I'll be fit for those. I did ground work before going out to South Africa and I'll do a lot of work in training back at home."