Rio Ferdinand will reportedly announce his retirement from football this week after being omitted from Manchester United's trip to Dubai.

United are scheduled to fly out to the Middle-East for a warm-weather training camp after Wednesday's meeting with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

However, the veteran defender is believed to be excluded from the five-day trip and, according to The Sun, the 35-year-old will call time on his playing career, with a statement on the omission expected to be made on Thursday.

Ferdinand, whose existing deal at Old Trafford expires this summer, is expected to follow his former teammate Gary Neville into a media career upon hanging up his boots.

The former England international has made 455 appearances for the Red Devils since sealing a £29.1m move from Leeds United in 2002 - a then-club record.