Rio Ferdinand channels his energy into staying fit and bringing trophies to Old Trafford
The England captain has been beset by injury problems over the past couple of years.
Persistent groin and back problems restricted Ferdinand to just 13 Barclays Premier League appearances last season.
Then a freak collision with Emile Heskey on the first day of Englands World Cup training camp in Bafokeng robbed Ferdinand's chance to lead Fabio Capello sides ill-fated campaign and caused him to miss first month of this season.
But thanks to a little fatherly love from Sir Alex Ferguson and the occasional yoga session - Ferdinand is back at the forefront of Manchester Uniteds trophy charge.
Write caption hereDespite missing Uniteds last two games due to a groin injury that could also keep the United hero out of tomorrow's FA Cup clash against Southampton, Ferdinand is adamant his lengthy spells in the Carrington injury room are a thing of the past.
I've got rid of all the doubts over my injuries now. I don't have those little worries at the back of my mind, Ferdinand told Sportsmail.
Thankfully, the back is alright now, it's not a problem anymore. I'm finding a decent level of consistency which I'm happy about. Long may that continue.
The manager has managed me through it well. The most important thing for me was over the Christmas period when I played three games in six days.
'That really proved that I am over it all. I've been doing yoga since the summer and Ive found it beneficial. I really enjoy it and it has been good for me.
Get the message: Chadderton players at their E.ON Energy Fit ! clubhous e along with Rio FerdinandThe proof is in the pudding with Ryan Giggs hes well into his yoga. He's still fantastic despite his age and some of that may be down to the yoga.
Though he may not admit it, Ferguson's decision to take the Old Trafford captaincy away from Ferdinand and giving it to his central-defensive colleague Nemanja Vidic seems to be a masterstroke.
The duo have looked inpenetratable for much of the season and have provided the foundations for the top-flight's most prolific attack.
But despite their unbeaten league record this season, criticism is still been levelled at United in particular for their patchy away form.
However, Ferdinand insists it is points not performances that interest him. He said: Football is a results-driven industry and if you are winning games you are happy.
Everyone ideally would want to play expansive football. People keep saying we are not playing well, but I dont think thats necessarily true.
What I think is that we are not playing well consistently throughout games. We are having spurts in games.
Like against Blackpool on Tuesday night, we had a 25-minute spell when we turned into the team we know we are and turned a 2-0 defeat into a 3-2 win.
No waste: Rio Ferdinand at Chadderton's purpose-built clubhouse
E.ON ENERGY FIT
To understand how E.ONs Energy Fit campaign can help save you money on your energy bill for your home or football club, go to www.eonenergyfit.comWhen people say we are not playing well overall, I think it's a bit of a misjudgement because in parts of games we are playing some superb stuff. The results have been good so we will take that.
As a fan, a manager, a player or supporter you would rather have the game sewn up in the first half if you can. But it's not always like that.
You just have to deal with the situation that arises. We've been in situations when we've been one or two down - but we've shown the steel and heart to come back.
With two-and-a-half years still left to run on his current United contract, Ferdinand still has plenty of opportunity to display that steel and heart at the Theatre of Dreams.
But euphoric Champions League nights and captaining England are a far cry from Ferdinands first steps in football.
The 31-year-old, is an ambassador for E.ONs Energy Fit campaign, a scheme that invests in grass roots facilities across the country.
And Ferdinand, who graduated from West Hams academy, added: 'Schemes like the E.ON Energy Fit campaign are important to help make local football much more enjoyable.
'It's not only football that benefits either - we can all do our bit.I've got energy efficient lightbulbs and always make my children turnoff their PS3s when they've finished playing with them.Its not great when youve just got five minutes worth of hot water. I remember when I played Sunday mornings and I used to get changed in the car or sitting in the boot its not always enjoyable.
But now Im playing at Manchester United, I don't think about playing anywhere else. I want to finish my career playing for United - that's my aim.
That's why I'm putting my all into it on the training pitch, so when the day comes when I do have to retire it'll be at Mancheste! r United .
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