Fergie Is Preparing A Defence Without Rio

It is entirely conceivable that United will have to face Barcelona without Rio Ferdinand in the starting line-up. Sir Alex Ferguson already declared that he would have no qualms about playing Jonny Evans in the Champions League final and told Rio to prove his fitness in time for Sunday's league game at Hull.

'I am hoping he will be fit for Sunday, if not he is doubtful for the final,' he said.

'I think he needs a game going into the Champions League final.'

'The plan is for him to start training with us on Thursday and once we get football training we will have a better idea of his availability for Sunday.

'I think he is probably fit to play next Wednesday but whether I would start him without a game is another matter.'

Fergie also praised Evans, stating that he would turn to him without any worries.

'I have no problem with playing Jonny Evans in the final,' he said.

'He has had an excellent season, as has Gerard Pique at Barcelona and, in a way, it would be a fitting mark to our academy if they were both to play in it.

'That would be a nice touch.'

Yes... but still, I hope that he's merely trying to lull Guardiola into a false sense of security. I like Jonny Evans and he's been immense all season but a Champions League final is crying out for Rio Ferdinand's experience and maturity.

Right now, however, it looks like Fergie is already preparing the team for life without Rio...

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