Roy Keane thinks Manchester United are not defending adequately enough.
The Red Devils managed to sc$$$$ victories over Southampton and Everton but the Irishman has warned that 'better' teams will punish the champions.

Wes Brown is still somewhat rusty after being out since the last game of the 2002-2003 season and Mikael Silvestre, who looked imperious alongside Rio Ferdinand, seems out of form.

So how much are United missing Ferdinand, their £30 million capture from Leeds United.

The England international has certainly had his critics since arriving at Old Trafford but there can be no doubting the value of his performances this season.

With his head presumably in a whirl following the Football Association action over his missed drugs test, the former West Ham man was still a model of consistency at the back.

However, now the lengthy ban has kicked in, despite the player's appeal against the punishment, United look to be missing a key ingredient of what was the strongest defence in The Premiership.

So do the statistics back up the belief that Sir Alex Ferguson's team are much better with Ferdinand?

Opta analysed the facts and found that United concede far more goals without the England centre back.

A quick glance at the table below also shows that United are 10 percent more likely to win with Rio in their side and 10 percent more likely to lose without him.

Evidence that proves the Manchester outfit are going to miss the towering presence of the 25-year-old.



Manchester United With Rio starting - Without Rio
Prem games played 47 - 13
Goals conceded 36 - 16
Goals/game conceded 0.77 - 1.23
Won 34 - 8
Drawn 7 - 2
Lost 6 - 3
Win % 72% - 62%
Loss % 13% - 23%
Points/game 2.32 - 2.00