Rio Ferdinand is happy to be back in action for Manchester United.
Ferdinand made his long-awaited return to first-team action in the disappointing blank against Rangers in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
He said: "It was just nice to be back - it has been a long wait.
"It was nice to just get out there and get 90 minutes under my belt.
"It felt good to get a piece of the action and smell the atmosphere again. Hopefully, all my injury problems are over now.
"That is why I've been working so hard in the gym and on the training ground, to make sure that when I did come back this time it would not be for one or two games but for a sustained period.
"It has been frustrating, yes. Injury-wise, I think I had a good run for 10-or-so years without problems but it has been a bit stop-start for the past two years, especially the last injury."
Ferdinand knows there are players waiting in the wings if further injuries or a lapse in form affect him this season.
He added: "I've always been aware that there are players at this club who will want to break through in all positions, including mine.
"They want to take your shirt and that will never change. That's why this is such a great club because the competition is so good."
