Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is keen for Rio Ferdinand to play some part in the Vodacom Challenge match against Orlando Pirates on Tuesday.

The squad head off to Durban tomorrow to prepare for the game following the 1-1 draw against Kaizer Chiefs at the Newlands Stadium.

Ferdinand was named in the team after sitting out the friendly against Aberdeen the previous week.

However the England defender suffered a back spasm just before kick-off and was not risked with Wes Brown taking his place.

Ferguson is hoping Ferdinand will recover in time for the second game of the tournament.

"I will make some changes for the next match because we have to give everyone some minutes on the clock, Rio Ferdinand in particular," said the United boss.

"He missed the game at Aberdeen and is behind schedule in terms of games.

"But I would like to think he will be fit to take part on Tuesday."

Michael Carrick, who is carrying a knock, could also be available to face the Pirates while Brown is expected to recover from a gashed ankle he sustained yesterday.

One bonus for Ferguson is the re-emergence of club captain Gary Neville after a long absence through injury.

Neville played 60 minutes against the Chiefs after a first half run-out at Aberdeen the previous week.

He showed plenty of tenacity and in fact conceded the penalty that Jonathan Quartey converted to give the South Africans the lead.

"Obviously his tackling has not improved," quipped Ferguson, who added: "Gary's enthusiasm and speed of play was quite phenomenal. I am very pleased and he is a remarkable man.

"Anyone who has played football knows that when you get to your 30s and been out of the game for 16 months, your comeback is very, very difficult. You have to give him a lot of credit."

In a feisty game in the shadow of Table Mountain, United secured the equaliser thanks to a Chris Eagles header following a cross from Carlos Tevez.

Eagles, 22, savoured the moment as he made only three appearances for United in a season that saw them win the Champions League and Premier League title.

He said: "It was a good game and I was pleased with my efforts.

"It was so loud out there because the fans were blowing their horns. But it was a brilliant atmosphere.

"I had some time against Aberdeen last week and really enjoyed it - I just love playing in the first team."

Wayne Rooney was certainly fired up for the game and got booked in the second half as his temper got the better of him.

However Ferguson believes the England striker was unfairly punished. "Wayne is a born fighter," explained the Old Trafford boss. "He gets frustrated in some games.

"He is learning how to control himself and it (the challenge) was next to nothing.

"I do not think he was out of order in this instance."

Ferguson was pleased with the spirit shown by both sides.

He added: "It was a good competitive game and the Kaizer Chiefs played well.

"We found ourselves 1-0 down and that makes it hard because you are still looking for fitness and rhythm to your game.

"I think we deserved a draw. It was a good work-out and a competitive match with lots of tasty tackles.

"That brings an edge to your game and I was very pleased to get that kind of competition."