Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that he "encouraged" defender Rio Ferdinand to meet with England boss Roy Hodgson over his involvement with the national team.

The 34-year-old decided to meet the ex-West Bromwich Albion manager in London to explain why his fitness regime prevented him from competing for the Three Lions in their World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro.

"I think he did the right thing, I encouraged him to go down and do it face to face, I think Roy appreciated that," Ferguson said in a press conference.

The Scotsman also revealed that he had no problems with Ferdinand travelling to Qatar to act as a TV pundit for England's 8-0 win over San Marino.

"To be honest, it didn't bother me one bit," added Ferguson. "They had the weekend off and players are entitled to do what they want. He has his own choice on these things."

Meanwhile, the Red Devils are due to take on Sunderland tomorrow.