“I’m fine. I have trained with the ball today and done some running, so I’m doing all the movements I need to be doing before a game. I haven’t even thought about not playing in the final. It’s as simple as that – no chance,” he added.

The player’s optimistic assessment was in stark contrast to Ferguson’s own take on the subject only a few hours earlier when Manchester United’s manager told reporters that Ferdinand might not be able to start against Barcelona because of the problem that has led to him missing him the last three matches.

Ferguson spoke extensively about the possibility of Johnny Evans partnering Nemanja Vidic in Rome next Wednesday, and said Ferdinand would not be ready for the starting XI unless he proved his fitness in Sunday's game at Hull City.

Ferdinand, however, was able to take part in a full training session on Wednesday with no reaction and, even if he does not play on Sunday, he insists it would have no bearing on his availability four days later.

“You’ll have to ask the manager but, physically, I’d be able to do it, no problem,” ‘The Guardian’ quoted him, as saying.