Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has somewhat surprisingly named John Hartson and Kevin Davies as the toughest opponents he has faced during his career - snubbing Fernando Torres!

The 30-year-old and his United defensive partner Nemenja Vidic have been led a merry dance by Liverpool's masterful Spanish hitman in recent times - another example coming last Sunday at Anfield.

"El Nino" left Ferdinand for dead as he slammed the ball high into the United net to opening the scoring as Rafa Benitez's men ended a run of four straight defeats in all competitions with a morale boosting 2-0 win over United.

Nevertheless, when posed the with the question of his toughest adversary, Ferdinand raised a few eyebrows by identifying former West Ham team-mate Hartson and Bolton striker Kevin Davies as the two forwards he least enjoyed playing against.

"In training, John Hartson was ridiculous. You'd train with him and get eight studs in your ear. On a Friday, he'd attack you from all angles," he told the Manchester Evening Times.

"Kevin Davies is also difficult to play against – very physical. But there's not one player in particular who sticks out," he also revealed.

The England star also pointed to Real Madrid legend Raul as one of the most formidable opponents he has come against having played when Los Blancos thumped the Red Devils 3-1 in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2003.

"Raul in the Champions League is one of the hardest I have to play against," he added.

"He doesn't play against you, he plays away from you. He asks you to come and mark him or let him hurt you with his passing."

So no mention of Torres, Henry, or the Brazilian legend Ronaldo then Rio?