Manchester United Transfer News: Rio Ferdinand Not Finished at United

He's old. He's past it.

He's a racist man with a Twitter account that can't handle being left out of Roy Hodgson's squad for the 2012 European Championships.

Think what you want about Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand and whether or not Sir Alex Ferguson should persist with him in the Red Devils' back line, the 33-year-old will stay at Old Trafford and still has a burning passion to compete at the highest level.

Following an incident-filled offseason and the fact that the Red Devils defender isn't getting any younger or stronger, you'd have been forgiven for thinking that Ferguson might have been better off pursuing other options at the back.

Just don't tell Ferdinand that.

The defender recently stated (via the Daily Mail) that he fully expects to compete for the Red Devils on a regular basis next season, and that he is fully focused on winning the English Premier League back for Manchester United in 2012-13.

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Manchester United is at the forefront of my mind. It's my club and this is what I love doing. If anything else comes of it [read English international duties], so be it. But I don't think about anything else except for playing for Manchester United and hopefully winning back the league.

It has been well documented I had injuries over the last few seasons. Last season, thanks to the physics and sports science team at United, I managed my back really well. They helped me through—long may that continue because I would like to play a similar amount of games this season.

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With Ferdinand's England aspirations aside for a moment, you can't help but notice the seemingly rejuvenated passion in his voice. It's as if the 33-year-old understands the severity of this year on his playing career—that he needs a strong showing early in the year to consolidate his spot in United's back four.

The Red Devils defense was left wanting at times last season. However, with the return of captain Nemanja Vidic from injury and the potential acquisition of Leighton Baines from Everton this summer (via the Daily Star), United's defense will no doubt be stronger and better in the English Premier League next season.

Ferdinand will be there—determined and focused as ever—as United try to win back the league from their noisy neighbors Manchester City. Expect him to play a pivotal role in their title charge once more.

His inclusion is still necessary and his significance is exactly that.

Expect him to feature prominently for United. Who knows, you might even get a mention on his Twitter.

Should Rio Ferdinand start at the back for Manchester United this season?

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