RIO Ferdinand is convinced Manchester United's fringe players can carry them to glory this season.

Despite missing four key men, plus Ferdinand, who limped off with a groin injury, the Red Devils were still able to book an FA Cup final meeting with Chelsea on May 19 by clinically disposing of Watford in Saturday's semi-final at Villa Park.

Just as in the seven-goal rout of Roma, heroes emerged in unlikely places.

Chief among them was Darren Fletcher, who slotted into the right-back role once Ferdinand had departed. Even though he had never played there in his life, Fletcher was part of a solid defensive effort.

So assured was the Scot's performance, Sir Alex Ferguson could hand him the job from the start against Sheffield United tomorrow as the Red Devils look to extend their Barclays Premiership advantage to six points.

Other men who have missed large parts of the campaign such as Gabriel Heinze, Wes Brown and Alan Smith have been outstanding recently, as had John O'Shea until he aggravated a calf strain.

And Ferdinand believes there is enough hidden talent in the United squad to ensure they do not suffer any major disasters over the final month of the campaign.

"The fringe players are very important," said the England defender.

"Look at Darren Fletcher. He was magnificent against Roma in central midfield and then he has been asked to play at right-back and looked as though he has been there all his life.

"He is a fantastic all-round footballer, who is now starting to get the credit his footballing talent deserves.

"The manager has said all along the players who weren't necessarily playing at the start of the season are the ones who have to come to the fore. They have done that."

Another player Ferdinand has plenty of time for is fellow Londoner Kieran Richardson.

Although Richardson's name received a mixed reception from the United fans when it was read out before kick-off, Ferdinand is certain the 22-year-old has enough ability to make the grade at Old Trafford, and was quick to offer the thumbs up signal when the young England international slotted home a neat fourth to wrap up the weekend scoring.

"I have known Kieran since he was a kid," revealed Ferdinand.

"He has not had loads of opportunities to play and sometimes it is difficult in that situation.

"But f he was to come on the market there would be a lot of people wanting to buy him, which tells you what a good player he is."

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