Sunderland defender Anton Ferdinand has backed his brother and Manchester United star Rio to come back better than ever following his recent dip in form.

Critics have been relentless in their criticism of United defender Ferdinand of later, with former England coach Graham Taylor sensationally claiming he 'has lost his legs'.

Not literally of course, although you wouldn't know knowing old turnip head Taylor!

The 31-year-old has been struggling to find form and fitness after missing the first month of the season with a torn thigh muscle.

The former West Ham player now looks set for an extended spell on the sidelines with a calf injury, which his boss Sir Ales Ferguson has said is showing no signs of improvement.

However, his younger brother Anton has dismissed the concerns over Ferdinand’s form and has backed him to recover.

"I know my brother and he'll come back stronger than ever," Anton told BBC Sport. "People are doubting him for the World Cup - it's astonishing, he's been England's best player at the last two.

"This is the first time he's had a bad period since he left West Ham - for a player who has played so many big games to only have one bad patch in a 10-11 year period says something."

Ferdinand is certainly not short of support, with England coach Fabio Capello, John Terry, Sir Alex Ferguson and former United defender Steve Bruce backing the Peckham-born defender to recapture his best form.

Ferdinand is twice over the world's most expensive defender, breaking the record for a second time after signing for champions United for £29.1million in 2002.

The Red Devils vice-captain is synonymous with the club's recent successes, winning four league titles, two league cups and a UEFA Champions League title during his time at Old Trafford.