Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand hails 'The X Factor' winner

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has sent his congratulations to the winner of The X Factor James Arthur.

The Red Devils centre-back was in attendance at the final of the ITV singing reality show in Manchester last night following his side's 3-2 win over fierce rivals Manchester City.

The 34-year-old took to Twitter after Arthur won the public vote over Jahmene Douglas and said: "Life changing moment for @JamesArthur23 ! Deserves it all. #BackedHimEarlyDoors!"

Meanwhile, the Football Association are investigating an incident during the Manchester derby, where Ferdinand was hit just above the eye by an object thrown from the crowd.