Fergie to name regular captain

RIO Ferdinand will find out tonight whether he is to become Manchester United's next captain.

It had always been assumed when Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs finally ended their stellar careers, Ferdinand would inherit the coveted armband.

Though Neville and Giggs still have plenty to contribute, Sir Alex has decided he needs a regular on–pitch leader and will pass on the armband.

Nemanja Vidic has done the job so far this season but with Ferdinand ready to return after recovering from the knee injury that wrecked his World Cup in South Africa, Ferguson has a decision to make ahead of the Champions League clash with Scottish champions Rangers.

If Ferdinand did miss out it would be a major blow at a time when his credentials as England skipper are also in question following the outstanding manner in which Steven Gerrard has led the Three Lions over the past few months.

Talk of Neville and Giggs being passed over inevitably prods them towards the end of their amazingly successful time at Old Trafford. Ferguson hopes it will be two seasons before that day arrives.

That is when he anticipates having to spend big money to buy replacements.