Sir Alex Ferguson hopeful on Rio Ferdinand fitness

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has said that Rio Ferdinand may be fit for the Red Devils' trip to Stoke on Saturday.

The England international has only started two of five league games this season because of injury.

“I’m hoping Rio will be okay for Saturday,” Ferguson told the club's website. “When you go to Stoke you need a bit of experience.

“Rio came into the team when we played at Bolton and gave us that experience, so we hope he'll be fit for Saturday."

Ferguson was less optimistic about Chris Smalling’s chances of playing, admitting that the young defender is “a doubt” after limping off with a groin injury after scoring in United's victory over Chelsea on Sunday.