Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has paid tribute to former club West Ham United.

Ferdinand can see strong similarities between the close bonds forged within the Hammers' inner sanctum and those that exist at United.

"West Ham is special," said Ferdinand.

"I look at West Ham as being similar to Manchester United in terms of their history and the way they keep all their people for so many years.

"It is a club that is close to my heart because I came through the ranks there.

"After Manchester United, they are the first result I look out for and I am sure it will always be that way."