Rio Ferdinand has confirmed his return after injury against Latics reserves went smoothly.

The central defender played for the opening half of Manchester United's Manchester Senior Cup tie against Latics at Stalybridge.

Ferdinand took his place in the directors' box for the second half alongside team-mate Paul Scholes who was a spectator.

When asked how his return went Ferdinand, who had earlier declined to speak to the media, answered politely: "It went fine, thank you."

Ferdinand has been out of action for almost three months after injuring his knee in the first England training session after they arrived in South Africa for the World Cup.

His return has been quicker than envisaged because initially it was thought he would not play again until the end of September."

Wes Brown and Brazilian Anderson, who have also been injured, also played against Latics.

Latics lost 2-1 having taken the lead through a Joe Jacobson goal as Nicholas Ajose and Frederico Macheda replied for the Reds.