Barclays Premier League - Sunderland v Manchester United
Venue: Stadium of Light Date: Saturday, 2 October Kick-off: 1500 BST
Coverage: BBC Sport website, live on Absolute Radio, BBC Radio 5 live, local radio, Final Score & highlights on Match of the Day

Ferdinand has played three games for United this season

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is not worried by his side's indifferent start to the season.

United have not won away in the Premier League so far, drawing games at Fulham, Everton and Bolton but the 31-year-old said there is no need to panic.

Ferdinand, whose team are at Sunderland on Saturday, stated: "The seasons we have lost the league have been when we've given teams a head-start.

"But as long as we kick on now and get a good run of victories we will be OK."

Ferdinand is hoping to make his first Premier League appearance of the season after recovering from a knee injury, but will abide by whatever decision Sir Alex Ferguson makes.

The England international played in the 1-0 win at Valencia in the Champions League on Wednesday but said: "I feel I can play two games in a row.

"It is obvious I need games [but] I have been out for so long, to expect to come back and play matches on the bounce straightaway would be wrong.

"I will just do what the manager asks me to, but if he deems it right for me to play on Saturday I would be delighted."

606: DEBATE Ferdinand showed how important he is for United against Valencia Llahim

United travel to the Stadium of Light in second place, having closed the gap on Chelsea to three points - despite only drawing at Bolton - after Carlo Ancelotti's side lost to Manchester City.

"When you drop points against anyone, you put yourself under pressure," Ferdinand conceded.

"But now the gap is three again, which I wouldn't say is a massive difference at this stage of the season."

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