Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has praised the way his side have dealt with the injury problems that have plagued them this season.

Ferdinand has often had to play alongside makeshift defenders, including Michael Carrick and Antonio Valencia this season, following injuries to Nemanja Vidic, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling.

United have also been short in midfield, resulting in the recall of the previously retired Paul Scholes, but still sit second in the Premier League, and Ferdinand thinks that this is a sign of United's quality.

"We don't like making excuses but look at the team we put out against Blackburn. You see a lot of people moaning about their squads because the transfer window has just opened," said the 33-year-old centre-back.

"But if you took the amount of players we have had out to any other squad in the league, they wouldn't be sitting where we are now. That speaks volumes for our squad.

"That is why when I am in the changing room I am more than happy with the people I see around me."

Ferdinand joined United in 2002 and has since made 378 appearances for the club, winning five league titles, one Champions League and two League Cups in his time at Old Trafford.