Rio Ferdinand's Defining Manchester United Moments

Rio Ferdinand has become one of the senior statesmen in the Old Trafford dressing room.

The central defender has been a consistent force in the Manchester United back line since joining the club in 2002.

He exudes class and confidence during games. He has been one of the Red Devils' most reliable players over the past decade.

Here are his six defining moments playing under Sir Alex Ferguson, for better or worse. 

Signs on the Dotted Line

Rio Ferdinand became the most hated man in West Yorkshire when he made the move from Leeds United to Manchester United in 2002.

The clubs were bitter rivals, and Rio was deemed to be a traitor by Leeds fans over the transfer.

The price the Red Devils paid for his services was astronomical. The fee, which was close to £30 million, made him the most expensive defender in the game.

The size of the fee was partly due to Rio's impressive showing in the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

Upon reflection, the huge sum seems justified. 

Wins First EPL Title

It is a dream for most professional footballers in Britain to one day lift the Premier League trophy.

Rio Ferdinand made this a reality in only his first season at Old Trafford, justifying his decision to move to Manchester United the previous summer.

He made 46 total appearances during the 2002/03 season, impressing in bursts.

His form was criticised at times, though, most notably early in the campaign when the side was leaking goals.

This league title would prove the first of six. 

Misses Drugs Test

The undoubted low point in Rio Ferdinand's career has to be his missed drugs test in September 2003.

The issue was not suspected drug use on the defender's part, but the fact that he failed to show for a scheduled test.

The FA Disciplinary Committee came down hard on Rio, banning him from action for eight months.

He consequently missed the majority of the 2003/04 campaign, one that saw the Red Devils finish third behind Arsenal and Chelsea.

He was sorely missed. 

First United Goal

Rio Ferdinand has never been known as much of a goal threat.

In 430 total appearances for the Red Devils, he has only ever struck the back of the net eight times.

He scored his first goal in a 4-0 win against Wigan Athletic back in December, 2004.

The strike came from a pinpoint Ryan Giggs corner, headed home emphatically by the central defender.

It took him over a year to score again for United. 

Leads Side to Champs League Glory

Manchester United's Champions League-winning campaign in 2007/08 grows in stature with every passing season.

With the arguable exception of the treble-winning team of 1998/99, that squad was surely Sir Alex Ferguson's greatest.

Rio Ferdinand was a core member of that team, making 11 appearances in the European tournament.

He had the honour of captaining the side in the final and lifting the trophy with Ryan Giggs after United's win.

This may be his fondest memory playing for the Red Devils. 

Scores Winner in Sir Alex's Old Trafford Farewell

Sir Alex Ferguson's final Old Trafford game was an emotional occasion for all involved.

The match itself took second stage to the legendary boss bidding farewell to the stadium where he shared so many memorable moments with United fans.

But a match there was, one against Swansea City that looked like being a dour 1-1 draw.

Step forward Rio Ferdinand in the 87th minute to seal a typically late United win.

His goal was as emphatic as they come—he practically burst the net.