Rio: It'll be emotional going back to Old Trafford

When last season ended, Rio Ferdinand’s future was still up in the air. It was only after the final game of the season that Manchester United confirmed that they would not be renewing Ferdinand’s contract.

Ahead of his Old Trafford return on Sunday, Ferdinand has admitted it will be emotional for him coming back.

“[It’ll be] emotional,” he said. “I had great years there, some really good times there. I never got the chance to say bye when I left, which was unfortunate. It will be a nice opportunity to say “thank you” to all the people who helped me and supported me get the achievements I’ve been able to get.”

QPR will start the day above United in the league, which is a surprise to Rio, who was impressed with the football we played in the pre-season.

“In pre-season, I was really excited for Man United,” he continued. “They looked really fit, really decisive and they had a good understanding of the system. It was almost like a complete reversal when the season started. I think they’ll get it right. I think the manager who’s there now gets things right. I have every confidence he’ll bring back good times at Man United, it’s just a matter of how long.”