Ferdinand aware of United tradition
Rio Ferdinand has called upon his Manchester United team-mates to live up to the club's tradition of bouncing back by winning the title this season.
Manchester City edged out United on goal difference last season and Ferdinand is expecting his side to respond to the challenge their neighbours set.
Since winning their first Premier League title in 1993, United have only had one spell - between 2003 and 2007 - when they went more than one season without a trophy.
And Ferdinand is confident there will not be a second drought. "Last season was disappointing for us because we didn't win the league," he said.
"Now it is about how we come back. We have shown in the past the mentality of the club and its history is that we always come back stronger.
"We want to give the fans what they expect and be battling at the top of the league.
"The gauntlet has been thrown down time and time again. It is up to us to pull in the right direction. We have to step up to the plate and produce. I am sure we will."
