Rio Ferdinand has insisted that Manchester United take the Carling Cup seriously.

The defender, who missed United's victory over Chelsea on Sunday with injury, was speaking ahead of this evening's Carling Cup tie away against Leeds United.

"Should be a warm atmosphere today vs Leeds... come on lads let's av iiiiiit! All the talk that we don't take this competition seriously is rubbish," the 32-year-old said on Twitter.

United last won the competition in 2010 with a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa at Wembley.