2:04PM BST 05 Oct 2012
Roy Hodgson, the
Ferguson was unwilling to discuss the manner in which this was communicated by
Hodgson - who told supporters on a London Underground train ahead of the
official announcement - during his preview United's game at
But the Scot made clear he personally was pleased the 33 year-old was not being subjected to the extra international workload.
Ferguson said: "I am not going into that but I am happy anyway because I think at his age he should be protecting himself as best he can.
"Hopefully by doing that he will be far more important to me than England."
Ferdinand has won 81 caps for England but not represented his country since June 2011.
Hodgson chose not to pick him for Euro 2012 last summer but has said he was "not closing the door" on the player's international career.
