Rio Ferdinand thanks Joe Hart for "protecting" him

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has thanked Joe Hart for stopping a Manchester City fan from attacking him during the derby on Sunday.

A City supporter ran towards the United centre-back just moments after he was hit by a coin thrown from the crowd, but the 25-year-old goalkeeper kept him from getting too close to his fellow England international.

"Respect to Joe Hart for protecting that idiot who ran on!! Love the banter between fans but there is a point when it goes too far...calm it!" Ferdinand tweeted.

United won the derby 3-2 at the Etihad Stadium and are now six points clear at the top of the Premier League table.