Rio Ferdinand: 'Manchester United have greater appeal than England'

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes that the Premier League leaders possess a bigger fanbase than the England national team.

The 34-year-old has represented England in several major tournaments since making his international debut in 1997, but the United centre-back has insisted that he has been amazed by the support that he receives with Manchester United.

Ferdinand told The Sun: "Before I signed for United in 2002, I remember talking to Nicky Butt at the World Cup in Japan.

"He said, 'If you think you get a big following with England, wait until you sign for United'. I didn't really get it at the time but he was absolutely right.

"When we tour places like Asia with United, it's just amazing. The interest is so much more than anything you experience with England."

Ferdinand has made 418 appearances for Manchester United.