Given the Red Devils’ disappointing defensive displays so far this season, the return of the world’s costliest defender was virtually automatic, especially as the £29m (€42.6m) Londoner has excelled during recent training sessions.

“Some people might think I should have given Rio a warm-up game, perhaps with the reserves, but I had not the slightest hesitation throwing him in at the deep end and nor would you if you had the advantage of seeing him in training during his long absence on the sidelines,” said Alex Ferguson in his programme notes this evening.

“If you could have watched his focus, you would know, like me, that the man is geared to come straight back into the side, even for a match as big as this fixture.”

Ferdinand’s return meant John O’Shea moved into midfield with Wes Brown switching to right-back from centre-half, leaving Mikael Silvestre to partner the newcomer.

There was no sign of Wayne Rooney among the substitutes even though it is believed he was given the all-clear to step up his training following a check-up on his long-standing foot injury today.

And neither was Tim Howard among the substitutes either as Ferguson axed the American completely with Roy Carroll taking the starting slot.