Rio Ferdinand has for some time been one of England, if not the world’s, best defenders. A world class player who broke the record for the world’s most expensive defender on two occasions, Rio joined United in 2002 and has been a regular in the first team ever since.

Rio who was first capped by England in 1997 has always been known for his excellent composure on the ball. Down the years he’s even had an eye for a goal or two but what does the future hold for one of English football’s most loyal servants?

Rio is fast approaching 33 and I firmly believe this could be his last season at the club. Rio has suffered from multiple back and knee injuries leaving him out of action for months at an end and this has seen him miss large chunks of the 2009/10 season, the World Cup in South Africa and the beginning of the 2010/11 season.

To make matters worse Rio tweaked his hamstring during the season opener against West Brom and even though he might be able to return against Arsenal this coming weekend, there is a sense that this could be the beginning of the end for him.

When you add the age factor and injury history with the phenomenal amounts of money Sir Alex has invested in bolstering his defence with the arrival of Phil Jones, the new contract for Chris Smalling and the promising talent rising through the ranks of the Reserves and Academy time could be ticking away for Rio.

In my opinion Rio has two options. He has spent the last few years building a career off the field with the emergence of his #5 brand, a record label and work in television and film so Rio could quite comfortably retire from football and focus on his new business ventures when his contract at United runs out in 2013. This could be supported by pundit work in the media which a born entertainer like Rio would easily get.

More likely Rio will remain in the game. Despite being past his prime at the top level of the game Ferdinand is still a top class player and could easily be a regular starter in a smaller Premiership or Championship side.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see him make a return to his youth team West Ham or possibly Championship big spenders Leicester City but if the opportunity arose I’m sure many clubs would be battling for Rio’s signature. Whether he would want to drop down a level or two in reality of course, that’s another question that will be answered when he leaves United.

It would not surprise me if Rio were to leave at the end of the season. If he were to then I would expect to see Ryan Giggs and benchwarmer Michael Owen join Rio in leaving the club on a high lifting United’s 20th league title – which wouldn’t be a bad way for anyone to leave the club.

By James Baylis @JamesSportsBlog