Football FanCast columnist Daniel Lomax reflects on what has been a fantastic season for Manchester United and feels that the secret of their success was not only the scintillating form of Cristiano Ronaldo but that of Rio Ferdinand.

Reflecting on what has been a fantastic Premier League campaign for Manchester United, which players have been the most impressive? Of course, Cristiano Ronaldo has been in sensational form over the last nine or ten months and has rightly recieved the plaudits, however I believe one man deserves just as much credit and who has become our own Captain marvel.
I firmly believe that, if it wasn't for the goalscoring form of our Portuguese superstar, Rio Ferdinand should have been the club's player of the season. Ferdinand has grown in stature since his past, dark days where he was surrounded by controversy off the field. On it he was often accused of over confidence and was also said to be too laid back in his approach to the game which, more often than not, accumulated in poor performances and silly mistakes.

Personally I have always regarded Ferdinand to be a top class player as well as a decent defender and it is great to see that Ferdinand did not bow to the pressures of a celebrity lifestyle or the added pressure of being in the spotlight football wise. Everybody was watching Rio in the hope that he would fail as a footballer and this is a great testament to a guy that is generally regarded as a leading central defender in world football.

Over the past two seasons you can name the mistakes that Rio has made on one hand which, considering the amount of games that he has played for both England and Manchester United is some achievement. Ferdinand has shown his maturity and has taken the opportunity to lead the United back line, constantly commanding the best out of his team mates and displaying the consistency that has helped Ferguson's men retain the title, as well leading them to the upcoming Champions League Final in Moscow.

Ferdinand's performances in Europe this season has been outstanding; especially against the front line that Barcelona possessed. Away in the Nou Camp Ferdinand was Manchester United's immovable rock that Barcelona could not shift; this with the added responsibility of not having Vidic, a player that has impressed all season, alongside him. At Old Trafford, Ferdinand produced one of the best performances that have been seen at Old Trafford from a centre half. Messi, who was impressive throughout, could not pass. Neither could Samuel Eto'o nor Thierry Henry when he entered the fray. The back four of Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic and Evra has been an unrivalled success and is something which has been a major factor in United's performances this season and the bedrock of their success.