Rio Lauds Team Spirit

Rio Ferdinand believes the team spirit this season is the best he's ever seen during his time at the club.

Fortunately we didn't have to witness our skipper berating the left-back for a crucial mistake then sitting down in the centre circle sulking. And we did not have to live with the embarassment of two players rowing over who should take a free-kick.

'The team spirit is the best it's been since I've been here,' Rio told the Daily Mirror.

'Obviously I can't say what it was like before my time, but I've never known it any better.

'I can only assume the manager does extensive research into a player's personality before signing him because we've not had one bad apple. You'd think people would moan when they're not playing.

"But you can't complain because we constantly have five internationals on the bench. Players bring different things to the team and the manager makes his selection according to the game.

'We understand that and know it is all about the bigger picture. You might not play in a particular match but it is a long season and you will get your chance.'