Soccer-Man United's Ferdinand to start against Porto

PORTO, Portugal, April 14 (Reuters) - Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has recovered from a groin injury and will start the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Porto on Wednesday.

"We think Rio is fit. He trained on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and he will start tomorrow," United manager Alex Ferguson told reporters on Tuesday.

"There is a lot of quality in Rio's game, so he is obviously going to make a difference. Also it gets us back the partnership between Rio and Nemanja Vidic, which has been the cornerstone of our great defensive performances this season," he added.

Ferdinand missed the first leg 2-2 draw at Old Trafford last week.

United's defence has looked fragile since the 4-1 home thrashing by Liverpool last month, conceding seven goals in the last four matches.

(Reporting by Shrikesh Laxmidas; Editing by Ed Osmond; to query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)