United legend Ferdinand awarded OBE

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire honour was established in 1917 and has been awarded to the six-time title-winning United great for his services to football and charity.

This year’s birthday honours coincide with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the celebration of the British monarch’s 70 years on the throne.

Ferdinand made 455 appearances for United and scored eight goals, winning six Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League, a FIFA Club World Cup and two League Cups. The Peckham-born centre-back is widely regarded as one of his country’s greatest players.

Since calling time on his playing career in May 2015, Ferdinand has become a prominent pundit on BT Sport, as well as briefly entering professional boxing. Elsewhere, he has helped to produce documentaries about Peckham – encouraging young residents to avoid crime – and about coping with bereavement after the tragic death of his wife Rebecca in 2015.

In 2012, Ferdinand launched a personal foundation that “addresses issues of inequality that Rio had experienced in his own life, growing up in Peckham, South London.” It has supported more than 10,000 young people over the last decade.

Many United figures have received OBEs in the past, including David Beckham, Garth Crooks, Ryan Giggs, Harry Gregg, Mark Hughes, Bryan Robson and Walter Smith.

Congratulations, Rio, from everyone at Manchester United!