Good news for Manchester United. Defender Rio Ferdinand has recovered from a knee injury which gave him a long rest. He has also performed with United’s reserve team against Oldham on Wednesday. Ferdinand himself played for 45 minutes in the match which United won 2-1.

This was Ferdinand’s first appearance after suffering a knee injury after colliding with his partner Emile Heskey in the England National Team training in preparation for the 2010 World Cup. Due to his injury, Ferdinand was forced to miss the World Cup and the beginning of the English Premier League.

The 31-old defender was also not able to be play in England’s Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland. Ferdinand could start playing again when United face  Everton at Goodison Park, 11 September.

“Rio is still the same player. He was able to get through 45 minutes which is very important after undergoing two tough training sessions. We are satisfied with his development,” said United’s reserve team manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The former United striker denied that it was too early to play Ferdinand.

“He has not had any problems. He was scheduled to play for 45 minutes. I’m not sure if he needs more games again. Rio is fit and could join the team,” Solskjaer said.