Now 30, Ferdinand should be about to inherit the Manchester United captaincy and be preparing to act as deputy in England's World Cup campaign.

Yet, while last term brought another Premier League title, a second Champions League final, the Carling Cup and the Club World Cup, it also brought a succession of worrying injuries that have cast a major shadow over Ferdinand's summer.

First there was the back problem, picked up in early season and aggravated in Japan, that kept the former West Ham skipper out for five weeks, then came a groin strain, a bruised lung against Middlesbrough that had the Londoner coughing up blood, and finally a calf problem sustained in the Champions League semi-final against Arsenal.

Although Sir Alex Ferguson played down its seriousness at the time, it ruled Ferdinand out of all United's games before they were beaten by Barcelona in Rome.

Given Ferdinand subsequently missed England's World Cup double-header against Kazakhstan and Andorra, it is debatable how fit he was when United lost their Champions League crown.

Should a similar situation arise this season, which would potentially curtail his participation at the World Cup in South Africa, it would be a devastating blow.

Ferdinand has never given the impression of being someone who allows misfortune to prey on his mind. There must however be a worry that fate will intervene to prevent him fulfilling the vast potential that led Harry Redknapp to inform then United chairman Martin Edwards his star pupil would go on to become the best in Europe when he was just 17 and on loan at Bournemouth.

It would be distinctly unfortunate for Ferdinand if injuries were to start dragging him down now.

After his past controversies - not only the missed drugs test but contract stand-offs, an ill-timed meal with Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon and his status as Christmas party organiser - Ferdinand has tended to make headlines purely for what happens on the pitch.

An athlete in every sense, Ferdinand tends to glide across the pitch when others labour.

He has always been blessed with pace. Now he has the experience to get him into the right positions at the right times.

Crucially, he is also a voice of authority, which is why Sir Alex Ferguson has already anointed him as successor to Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs when the veteran duo hang up their boots, a decision expected at the end of this coming campaign.

To many, Ferdinand was the captain-elect for England, only for Fabio Capello to plump for John Terry instead.

However, that should not be allowed to detract from Ferdinand's importance to Capello, who installed the central defender as his vice-captain.

With Terry providing the steel to go with his silky skills, Ferdinand has found the perfect partner for his country, just as he has at United, where Nemanja Vidic has been such a solid presence.

Following the exits of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez, the new campaign will be one of change at Old Trafford, with a bedding-in period bound to accompany new signings in pivotal areas.

Having Ferdinand and Vidic around will provide Ferguson with the confidence United can come through their test and record an unprecedented fourth successive title.

For Capello, the need for Ferdinand to be fit is even more acute as he prepares a team to take centre stage in the biggest show on earth.

Now, more than ever, Rio must hope his body does not fail him.