Manchester United Drop Ferdinand - UEFA Champions League

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has dropped defender Rio Ferdinand from the Champions League tie against Otelul Galati.

The 32-year-old was not part of the traveling party to Romania while Nemanja Vidic, who did not play against Liverpool on Saturday, made the trip.

Ferguson has restricted Ferdinand's playing-time this season, and is very selective in using him. The Red Devils are still looking for their first win in the Champions League this season, after draws against Benfica and FC Basel so far, but the Scot has decided to drop one of his main centre-backs.

Ferdinand played 90 minutes in the 1-1 draw against Liverpool on Saturday, but with the Manchester derby being played next Sunday, he is possibly being rested.

At 32, injuries haven't helped Ferdinand. He has had to battle a troubling back problem, which has prevented him from stringing together a run of games.

However, Ferdinand's absence doesn't shorten experience at the back as team captain Vidic is set to make his return to the team after recovering from a calf injury. He is likely to be partnered by Phil Jones who has recovered from a knock picked up against Liverpool while Dimitar Berbatov, who was excluded from the whole squad, made the trip.

Midfielder Tom Cleverley and defender Rafael continue on the sidelines though, as they are yet to regain full fitness.