Ferdinand urges United to hit ground running

Rio Ferdinand said Manchester United must “hit the ground running” Thursday after the Premier League champions were handed a tough start to their first season under new boss David Moyes.

The veteran defender, 34, was speaking during a promotional trip to Singapore after United were handed games against Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City in the opening weeks of the season.

“It’s a lively start,” said Ferdinand. “Normally you get eased into the season..and you have a few games to find your feet (but) we’ve got to hit the ground running,” he added.

Ferdinand said players would be hoping to make a good impression on Moyes, who arrived from Everton to take over after Alex Ferguson’s trophy-laden tenure of more than 26 years.