Sir Alex Ferguson has this week been very vocal that Rio Ferdinand may not answer the international olive branch offered by Roy Hodgson this week.
Ferdinand has always maintained since being overlooked for England’s Euro 2012 squad in favour of John Terry that he would not retire from international football despite his disappointment at seemingly being disregarded by England manager Hodgson.
If Ferdinand still held a grudge over his Euro 2012 omission after this time, then perhaps he should have himself called time on his own international career and not given Hodgson the option of recalling him following a string of performances which has elevated him to the top of the league in terms of English central defenders.
In hinting that Ferdinand may not join up with the England squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers with San Marino and Montenegro, Ferguson had pointed at the routine that Manchester United follow, tailored to the Ferdinand and his injury history in order to maintain his availability. I am sure the England medical staff are sensitive enough to Ferdinand’s injury record to take such a routine on board and implement it themselves if needed.
Following United’s 1-0 victory over Reading yesterday evening, Ferguson informed the football world of Ferdinand’s intention to join up with the England squad this week. However, having been very clear that he would not turn his back on England following his omission last year, Ferdinand joining up with Roy Hodgson’s squad should have never been in doubt.
Aaron SharpFollow @ajs26061988