Sir Alex Ferguson defends under fire centre half Rio Ferdinand

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has came forward in defence of his under-fire centre-half Rio Ferdinand.

"There is no discernible depreciation in his qualities, none for me at all. He has been playing with injuries, which is not the easiest thing to do, but of course we will try to get that right," Ferdinand said.

Ferdinand, who will be 31 on Saturday, has been suffering with a calf problem, The Sun reports.

Ex-England and Aston Villa manager Graham Taylor claimed the defender's legs had gone.

But ahead of tonight's Champions League clash with CSKA Moscow at Old Trafford, an angry Ferguson hit out by saying: "In my time here, we've always had a situation where one of the star players hits a little blip and he is going to get criticism."

"That's all part of being a player at Manchester United and I think we are all aware of that. With Rio, it's quite simple.

"No player likes to be criticised. They like to be loved and have arms around their shoulders at times, but he will come out of it, there is no question about that," he added.

Ferdinand will miss the return against CSKA, but is battling to be fit for Sunday's Stamford Bridge showdown with league leaders Chelsea.