Right time to leave

Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal has admitted that it was time for veteran Rio Ferdinand to leave Old Trafford this season.

Rio along with Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra left the club in the summer but the England defender admitted he never got a chance to say his goodbyes.

When asked whether United should have kept Ferdinand, who spent 12 years at Old Trafford, Van Gaal said: "No. There is a time to stay and a time to go and Rio decided to go."

A player who had been a rock at the defence for most of his career crumbled towards the later stages as his ageing legs began to dawn.

A defender who will be missed but looks to have a heroes reception when he enters Old Trafford to return as a former player.

He also added "He was a great player, maybe he is still a great player but there is always a time for a player to go from a club."

Rio Ferdinand signed for Queens Park rangers this summer for free after 455 appearances as a Manchester United player.

Once one of the legends which played alongside Nemanja Vidic in the defence as at Manchester United he won 18 trophies in 12 seasons.

I think Ferdinand wasn't right to stay at United but I also do partly believe in it being unfair to not let Rio with his status at the club say his goodbyes.

He will not doubt get a great response at Old Trafford when his name is bellowed out on the announces microphone. 

A legend for what he has done for the club and that is the least that he deserves.