'My Leeds return is not a war': Ferdinand

Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand, who has been warned he faces a hostile reception from the home crowd when he returns to Leeds United on Saturday, played down the significance of the occasion when he said it was "not a war".

"This is just a football match remember," the England international told British newspapers on Tuesday. "It is not a war and it is not a life or death situation."

On Monday, Ferdinand's England colleague and former Leeds team mate Alan Smith said the defender would "probably get hammered, knowing the Leeds fans".

Ferdinand, who left Leeds for premier league rivals Manchester United in a 30 million pounds ($47 million) transfer in July, said: "I can understand Leeds fans must be upset with me and they will want to scream and shout at me when I go back.

"They pay their money and get into the stadium and let their opinions be heard. I accept that.

"Obviously, in an ideal world you would like them to give you a good reception and hope they remember the good times we had together," said Ferdinand.

"But I am not naive enough to think that is going to happen because I will be playing for Manchester United and I will be doing my utmost to make sure United get the result the players and our fans want."

Ferdinand joined Leeds from West Ham United in November 2000 for 18 million pounds and helped them reach the Champions League semi-finals in his debut season, going on to assume the captaincy in place of injured Lucas Radebe in August 2001.

Both his transfer moves set world record fees for a defender.