Ferdinand set to leave United

Rio Ferdinand has announced that he will be leaving Manchester United this summer, Sky Sports understands.

The centre-back started just twelve times in the Premier League during the 2013/14 campaign, though the majority of his time in Manchester has been hugely successful.

He moved to Old Trafford from Leeds United in 2002, and racked up 455 appearances in all competitions, scoring eight goals and winning now fewer than ten major trophies including six Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2008.

He retired from international football twelve months ago having won 81 senior caps for England, scoring the opening goals in wins over Denmark, Russia and Kazakhstan.

Nemanja Vidic, who partnered Ferdinand in the heart of the United defence with distinction regularly over the past eight and a half years, is also heading on to pastures new while left-back Patrice Evra has been strongly linked with a move away.