Rio Ferdinand never lost faith in Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson to bring success to the club. The defender's time at Old Trafford has not always been so successful though, with Sir Alex's side having at one point gone three years without a title.

"I never once thought this might not happen again or that it was the end of an era," said Ferdinand.

"You just have to trust the manager. He has been so successful, so not to have done that would have been crazy.

"The players stood by everything he has done. I remember people booing Ryan Giggs. That is how mad it was.

"But the manager calmed us down, told us to take our time and trust him.

"He assured us it was a transitional period. The results since have proved that.

"We have not won anything yet, but we are in a great position to do so."