Manchester United moved a step closer to clinching a twentieth league championship with a narrow victory over struggling Reading on Saturday afternoon.
Wayne Rooney’s 21st minute strike was enough to clinch all three points for the league leaders, who stretched their advantage at the top to fifteen points, after second place Manchester City were beaten at Everton earlier in the day.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s men next play on Saturday week, when they travel to struggling Sunderland less than 48 hours before their FA Cup quarter final replay with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Meanwhile, Rio Ferdinand has withdrawn from the England squad for the forthcoming World Cup Qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro.
The 34 year old was set to make his first international appearance for almost two years, but due to an “intricate pre-panned programme”, has made the decision to not take part this time around.
Whilst expressing his disappointment at Ferdinand’s absence, manager Roy Hodgson has placed on record that the “was impressed with his commitment to playing for England”, stating that he looks forward to hopefully selecting him for future squads.
Ferdinand is currently fifth on the list of appearances for England as a defender with 81 caps.