Ferdinand will only return to formation in September © EuroFootball.com

Club coach Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed that defender Rio Ferdinand will only return to the lineup in September.

The 31-year-old Englishman is recovering from a knee ligament injury he suffered before the World Cup.

It is believed that the defender will need about six more weeks to return to the lineup. Although it was previously thought that the player would be able to help the team at the start of the Premier League on August 16th.