Ferdinand to lead as Evra left out of squad

Rio Ferdinand will skipper Manchester United in their Europa League last-32 first-leg tie with Ajax in Amsterdam tomorrow night.

Ferdinand takes over the captain's armband as Patrice Evra is rested.

Ryan Giggs (ankle) also misses out, as does Dimitar Berbatov, who was injured in training yesterday. Nani (foot) and Phil Jones (ankle) return after missing the last four matches.

Evra was left out of United's trip to Amsterdam as a result of his "emotional week".

Evra was missing from the Red Devils squad that flew into the Dutch capital this afternoon, just four days after he was at the centre of the handshake row with Luis Suarez.

And Alex Ferguson revealed he felt the France full-back had been through so much, it was better for him to remain at home.

"We have rested Patrice," said the United boss. "It has been an emotional week for him and it is the right thing to do."

It was the first time Ferguson has spoken about Saturday's events since he labelled Suarez "a disgrace" and claimed he should be sold.

Since then, Suarez has apologised for his actions, part of a massive Liverpool climbdown that also brought words of contrition from manager Kenny Dalglish and managing director Ian Ayre.

Ferguson admitted he had not spoken to Evra about the weekend events.

However, he did admit to welcoming Liverpool's shift in stance, which he hopes will allow the Merseysiders' unique rivalry with United to advance in a more normal fashion.

"We are all delighted that we have put the matter to an end," he said.

"The two clubs, Manchester United and Liverpool, have too much great history and great rivalry. That is what we are going to concentrate on in the future.

"Both sets of supporters should be pleased and delighted that all we are going to talk about is who is going to win the game.

"Sometimes we will lose to Liverpool, sometimes we will win. But one thing you cannot take away is that both of us need each other."