RIO Ferdinand believes that United's defeat against Inter Milan was the perfect wake-up call before Sunday's Community Shield showdown against Chelsea.

After their FA Cup final defeat last May, United certainly don't want another Wembley defeat on their record against the former Premiership champions.

The Reds warmed up for the Inter friendly by scoring 15 times in four matches on their Asian Tour. They conceded just two goals, both in the opening fixture against Urawa Red Diamonds.

And Ferdinand says of the 3-2 defeat against the Italians: "I think it's the game we needed.

"We played against a lot of teams in Asia. However, they weren't up to the standard of Inter Milan or the standard of the teams in the Premier League.

"It was a good tour in terms of building up fitness levels. But we probably learned more against Inter than we did in all the games we played in Asia.

"I don't think we defended well as a team and the questions that arose from the game will be addressed in time for Sunday."

United are still smarting from their extra time loss to Chelsea at Wembley that cost them another double.

And Ferdinand insists Sir Alex Ferguson's side will be out for revenge, saying: "You want to win every game. But the most important thing is coming through unscathed and making sure we are ready for Reading the following week.

Tough

"By then we will have had two tough games under our belt against Inter and Chelsea."

Ferdinand was speaking at United's Carrington training ground at the start of the 2007 United Premier Cup.

The tournament, won by City in 2004, features 20 of the best Under-15 teams in the world.

The final is staged at Old Trafford tomorrow with a 12 noon kick-off.

It's a window of opportunity for youngsters to showcase their skills in front of a posse of talent spotters and scouts.

Ferdinand agrees that only a handful will ever make the grade at Old Trafford or at other leading clubs.

And the England defender admits managers and coaches haven't the time to develop and indulge budding British starlets like they once did.

"I don `t think there is as much top notch quality as there was," said Ferdinand.

"You look at Wayne Rooney, Chris Eagles and Jonny Evans - but I think the numbers have slowed down.

"That's partly because of all the money in the game. Instead of a coach waiting for a young player to develop they will go out and spend £5 or £10m on a player who is already the finished article.

"The rewards are so big now that the patience isn't there anymore."

But Ferdinand urges young players not to be discouraged, saying: "United have developed so many players.

"There are kids here who may not make the grade at United but they will have a career in the game."

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