Rio Ferdinand driven by pride, giving back and beer in United v Liverpool old boys clash

Rio Ferdinand has said the Red on Red legends match at Kai Tak Stadium on Saturday would provide a welcome opportunity to “see the old gang again and have a few beers”.

The decorated former England defender will skipper a “Rio 11” made up of ex-Manchester United players including Michael Carrick, Dimitar Berbatov and Nicky Butt, who finished his career with Hong Kong club South China in 2011.

They will tackle a “Gerrard 11” captained by Liverpool great Steven Gerrard, who last week rejected the opportunity to return to Scotland for a second stint as Rangers manager.

Among the former Liverpool players taking part are Michael Owen, who also played for Manchester United, Luis Garcia and Patrik Berger.

Ferdinand said the match between old favourites from clubs with fervent Hong Kong fanbases was “a tip of the cap to the support we’ve had over the years”, adding that he felt it was “important for us all to give back”.

The 46-year-old retired in 2015 after a career that yielded one Champions League title, six Premier League titles and 81 England caps.