Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand will be given the green light for their Champions League clash at Porto.

The Mirror says Ferdinand, who has missed United's last three games with a groin problem, is ready to reclaim his starting place for Wednesday's decisive return leg.

Ferdinand has been included in United's travelling party that leaves for Porto tomorrow and is ready to resume his successful central defensive partnership with Nemanja Vidic.

A source close to Ferdinand rated the 30-year-old's chances as "80-20" to start on Wednesday and said the defender was willing to undergo pain-killing injections to play.

"Rio could have played at Sunderland but the decision was taken by United to wrap him in cotton wool to make sure he's ready for Wednesday," said the source.

"That could be the defining game of United's season and Rio is determined to start so he can give everything he's got to ensure they make it through."