Rio Ferdinand put in another brilliant performance for Manchester United this week in our 1-1 draw against Real Madrid.

The game comes following yet another snub from Roy Hodgson when England faced Brazil at Wembley.

Hodgson has laughably claimed that Rio’s omission is purely down to “footballing reasons”, not the fact that John Terry racially abused his brother and that Ashley Cole, according to the FA, lied to protect him.

It’s odd that Sir Alex Ferguson, the best manager this country has ever seen, believes that Rio is good enough to face Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, but that Roy Hodgson, whose last trophy was in 2001 and before that 1989, doesn’t think that Rio is good enough to do a job against San Marino.

Ryan Giggs has claimed he doesn’t think that Rio is bothered and that England’s loss is our gain, given how well he has played for us this season. There is no doubt that avoiding extra international games will prolong Rio’s career for us, so we should be pleased with Hodgson’s decision, regardless of how barmy it is.

“He’s been playing like that all season,” Giggs said. “His experience, leadership skills and organisation were needed with two young players around him, in Jonny Evans and Rafael. Rio’s just a top player. He has proved that again and again, and he’s proved that again on Wednesday.”

Giggs doesn’t think that Ferdinand is too concerned about being overlooked by Hodgson and is happy to concentrate on United.

“No, I don’t think so,” Giggs added. “We’re just happy that he’s playing so well for United. The rest of the stuff we’re not too bothered about, as long as he keeps putting in performances like that.”

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