Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is delighted the preseason is again kicking off.

An overseas tour will see the Reds play games in South Africa, China and Europe.

"I love pre-season," Ferdinand told manutd.com. "This is the longest time I've had off and I'm raring to go. Even the family at home have been trying to get me out of the door to come to training! I've been getting cold feet in the house sitting around doing nothing. It's hard work but I love it.

"I can't wait to see the fans in all the different countries we're visiting on tour," he added. "It's great to see so many different parts of the world.

"I've been to Durban before and I can't wait to go back to South Africa. And then we're off to Shanghai in China which will be phenomenal and then we're visiting a few places in Europe which will also be good.

"It's great to be able to give the fans who support us throughout the world a chance to see us live."