Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits he wanted Rio Ferdinand to shake the hand of Chelsea's John Terry tomorrow.

As it is, Terry's knee injury made sure there will be no uncomfortable situation before Manchester United's match at Stamford Bridge.

Ferguson said: "Rio, in many ways, has been fighting the racism issue for years.

"But there is a moment when he, maybe, has to rise above that.

"He has nothing to be ashamed of if he does decide to shake John Terry's hand. I've no issues with that at all."