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Rio: We must keep getting clean sheets

UNITED: Ferdinand Wants Unbreakable United Defence

/noticias.info/ Rio Ferdinand says United must concentrate on keeping more clean sheets, despite the loss of Gabriel Heinze for the rest of the season to a knee ligament injury.

Ferdinand describes Heinze's absence as a "huge blow to the team", but says it is imperative the Reds continue in the same manner that has seen them concede just one goal in seven matches this season.

"It's our job to keep clean sheets at the back," he told reporters on Friday. "Against City last week it was really disappointing.

"The important thing is that we continue to not concede goals as we have successfully done in our other matches. That will breed confidence throughout the back four and the team as a whole.

"We want to score more goals than we are at the moment, but the defenders can all go home happy if we keep a clean sheet. We've been good so far this season and we hope to continue that on Sunday."

"People say the stature of United-Liverpool matches has waned because of our rivalry with Chelsea and Arsenal. Anyone at Anfield on Sunday will know that isn't the case."
Rio Ferdinand

The 26-year-old is pleased with his form so far this season but believes he can still get better. He said: "My form has been all right. But I always say there is room for improvement in my game."

And he is relishing the visit to Anfield on Sunday, a local clash he maintains has not diminished in its billing as one of the most fiercely contested games in United's calendar.

"It's still a huge fixture," Rio insists. "Some people say the stature of the tie has waned because of our rivalry with Chelsea and Arsenal, but anyone that goes to Anfield on Sunday will know that isn't the case.

"You go to all parts of the world to play football, but you come back to England and play fixtures like this one and it is that atmosphere that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

"Both sets of fans and both sets of players will be up for this match. It means so much to the fans, you're aware of that and you want to make your own fans happy. We hope we can do that."
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