Rio hails United spirit

United continue their chase for a second Treble this weekend when they take on rivals Manchester City in their eagerly-awaited FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.

And Ferdinand feels the tight-knit unit at Old Trafford fostered by Sir Alex Ferguson is the reason they are still on course for the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and FA Cup.

“You don’t see people coming off shaking their heads, or being disgruntled, or sitting on the bench in a sulk at United because everyone is delighted to be at this club and they want to be here,” said Ferdinand.

“The moment you show a little bit of dissent like that, the manager isn’t happy and he pulls rank and rightly so.

“He keeps people on their toes. People want to play here. You want to be here. You don’t want to be part of any other squad and that’s the way it is.”

Respect

“It’s just a respect for the club, the manager and the people who were here before you as well. I don’t know about other clubs, but it’s the way it is here.

“People want to play here. You want to be here. You don’t want to be part of any other squad and that’s the way it is.”

Rio Ferdinand on United’s spirit Quotes of the week

“It’s an unwritten rule. You see in our changing room before games – there are no cliques in there.

“People wish each other well before games, even if someone is playing in your position. That’s the way we are.

“I just think you look at the players who are coming in – you’ve got Antonio Valencia, Ji Sung Park, Chicharito, Dimitar Berbatov, the forwards are all changing.

“Ryan Giggs is playing centre midfield now, Scholesey is coming in, Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans, John O’Shea for Rafael.

“It’s just a never ending strength in the line up. Guys have come in and just given seven, eight, nine, out of 10 performances.”

Wary

City are set to be without former United star Carlos Tevez for the trip to Wembley, but despite his expected absence, Ferdinand is refusing to under-estimate the threat posed by City.

“They City have invested heavily in a lot of players, so they have got many talented players to come in,” added Ferdinand.

“You don’t spend £27 million on a player Edin Dzeko who’s an average player. Dzeko can play, he has played Champions League football for a few years, won the league in Germany so he’s a good player.

“We won’t be underestimating anyone, but we just want to get to the final for ourselves. I couldn’t care less about anyone else.

“It’s a massive game for this club and for the fans and we want to be victorious. I don’t want to retire without an FA Cup winners’ medal, I know that.”