T-shirt row resolved but Rio Ferdinand rested for Manchester United against Braga

Oct 22, 2012 2:10:00 PM

Sir Alex Ferguson insists that the matter is now resolved, suggesting that his reason for resting the centre-back is purely tactical with Sunday's clash against Chelsea in mind

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that the T-shirt row with Rio Ferdinand has been resolved, although the defender will play no part in Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Braga.

Ferdinand, 33, came under fire from Ferguson over the weekend for choosing not to wear a T-shirt supporting the ‘kick it out’ campaign without notifying his boss.

But the 70-year-old has insisted that his reason for leaving Ferdinand out of the squad is purely for tactical purposes.

"I'm not playing Rio. I'm making a few changes. I'm leaving out Rio and Patrice Evra. We have a big game against Chelsea [to think about on Sunday]," he told reporters.

"We've got Ashley Young back and he'll be involved tomorrow. We've got Nani, Valencia, Giggs... plenty of wide players. I have an issue in terms of picking the team. Hopefully I get it right."

Regarding the t-shirt row, he added: "The issue's simple. I've spoken to Rio. It was a communication issue. He felt I should have spoken to him on Friday and I didn't anticipate that he'd have a problem wearing the shirt.

"My advice is to him is that I always feel a union is stronger than an individual. It's important he airs his grievances to the right people, the FA.

"It's been a communication issue more than anything else. We've resolved the situation, there's no lingering problems and we move on. That's the end of the matter."

More to follow...

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