Ryan Giggs is convinced Manchester United have benefited from Rio Ferdinand's England snub. Giggs says Ferdinand's omission by England coach Roy Hodgson had been to United's advantage.

"Yes, it is," said Giggs, when asked if Ferdinand's international exile had benefited the Old Trafford club.

"He's been playing like that all season. His experience, leadership skills and organisation were needed with two young players around him, in Jonny Evans and Rafael.

"Rio's just a top player. He has proved that again and again, and he's proved that again on Wednesday."