Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is fighting for his future at club and international level.

Ferdinand was dumped on to the bench by Sir Alex Ferguson at Everton, the most high-profile casualty of United's 6-1 humiliation by Manchester City.

Ferdinand's future, for England and United, looks bleak, with Fabio Capello set to announce his squad next week for the friendlies against Spain and Sweden. And Ferguson went out of his way to praise Nemanja Vidic, says the Mail on Sunday.

Ferguson axed Michael Carrick and Anderson from his 18 and also demoted Nani to the bench. At least Ferdinand put on a brave face when he tweeted after United's 1-0 win at Goodison: "Great result today. Bouncing back is the way to go."