Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has warned the club's youngsters that he is willing to fight for his place in the first team.

Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans will all be vying for a place in the Red Devils' rearguard next season, but the 34-year-old insists that he is not willing to relinquish his position.

"It was the same last season," Sky Sports News quotes him as saying. "There is a great history and it is part of the club with young players coming through and establishing themselves and I am all for that, but I want to play games.

"I want to play for Man United and the young lads are going to have to fight to get in the team just like I did when I was a kid.

"Now it is roles reversed but it is obvious if you want to win things you have to have rivalry within the squad and it is done the right way here - whoever gets the shirt is supported by everyone."

Ferdinand made 34 appearances for United last season.