Rio Ferdinand: Manchester United youngsters will "blossom"

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has backed the club's younger players to "blossom" following the departure of a number of senior players this summer.

Along with Ferdinand, who has joined Queens Park Rangers, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra have departed the club, while Ryan Giggs has retired.

However, despite having lost a quartet of 2097 appearances and 80 trophies between them, Ferdinand believes that the younger members of the squad are capable of filling the void.

The old guard has gone....myself, Vidic & Evra...great times together....the young lads are ready, I believe they will now blossom #mufc

— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) July 21, 2014

Evra's exit was confirmed this afternoon, with the left-back having opted to sign for Juventus.