Josh Wright's superb 19th-minute strike gave the home side the lead at Glanford Park but it took only four minutes for Darron Gibson to level and United were ahead before half-time through Chris Smalling.

Michael Owen scored twice in the second half and Park Ji-sung also got on the scoresheet before Scunthorpe got the second goal they deserved in injury-time from the impressive Martyn Woolford.

"It's always going to be a tricky test coming to places like this," Ferdinand told Sky Sports 2.

"There was great support tonight from both sets of fans but when we got our foot back in the game we settled and started playing and put the game to bed.

"Any game is good to be playing in, I'm just happy to be playing."

Asked about his defensive partner Smalling, Ferdinand added: "Chris is willing to learn, he's hungry, you can see the desire in him.

"He's doing well and taking everything in in training."

Scunthorpe caretaker boss Ian Baraclough, who revealed he will be confirmed as permanent manager before the weekend, said: "I am proud of them, they stuck at it and even at 5-1 down still tried to play and create chances but it's a bit hard to take.

"We got embroiled in the occasion and vacated the middle area and they've broken on us and they're going to punish you."

Asked about taking the lead, Baraclough joked: "I think that upset 'em didn't it!

"We had a great first half and switched off five minutes after scoring and all credit to them, they've come with a decent side and our lads will learn from that."