After making his mark on a second debut for Arsenal, Thierry Henry was followed onto the goalscoring chart by Paul Scholes on Saturday when the veteran midfielder set Manchester United on their way to victory over Bolton.
On Sunday, the pair will go head to head at the Emirates, as United head to Arsenal knowing they cannot afford to slip any further behind title favourites Manchester City.
The build-up is bound to include memories of great deeds from Henry and Scholes. And Ferdinand concedes there are plenty.
"It is great to see two of the best players come back," said the veteran defender.
"If I was going to name a top-five list of players to have played in the Premier League, Scholes and Henry would be in there.
"It's fantastic for Arsenal, of course, just as it is for us to have Scholes back.
"Hopefully he's going to help us get over the line and win another couple of trophies."
Sir Alex Ferguson reintroduced Scholes to his squad for the FA Cup tie against City without informing any of his playing staff.
Ferdinand did try to unearth the information, but, typically, Scholes was not forthcoming with any details.
"I spoke to Scholesy a few weeks beforehand and asked him if he was coming back but he doesn't give anything away," he said.
"When he met up with the squad the day before the City game, I asked him again if he was in the squad but he said he was coming to watch as part of the staff.
"I had an inkling he might be back though because he trained the day before with us but it wasn't until the kit man told me before the game that he had brought his gear that I knew for certain."
Scholes' return has been greeted with mixed feelings, with some arguing it is a regressive step for a club trying to win a record 20th title.
The 37-year-old's two performances so far have been patchy, although he retains a calmness in possession that Ferdinand does not feel many could exude after six months out of the game.
"There are only a handful of players on the planet who could do it," said Ferdinand.
"Iniesta, Xavi, Messi. They are the type of players who can come in at any time and look as though they could just play football at the drop of a hat at the top level.
"The game is so natural to them."
And having spent so long as a team-mate, Ferdinand is acutely aware of the spin-offs that will benefit the younger members of Ferguson's squad.
"It's fantastic for the club and the team," he said.
"More importantly, for the young players learning their trade - especially our midfielders - they can see a top player at work.
"His experience is invaluable, as well as his calmness on the pitch and his know-how of the game.
"When you've got wingers like ours and forwards who want to get in behind the defenders and attack teams, a player like him who can put the ball on a sixpence is great."
Ferdinand is confident of being fit for the Arsenal game, and this afternoon wrote on his Twitter page: "Just dispelling the rumours that I'm a doubt for sunday! Trained with the team as normal since the game saturday! Coaches ran us hard 2day!"
Who was better in their prime - Scholes or Henry? Have your say. Tweet
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Reliable Sources have spotted Bobby Charlton driving in to Carrington this morning, Sources close to Fergie suggest he could be the missing piece of the midfield puzzle. Fergie has not denied the rumours yet, Charlton was unavailable for comment.
Realiable eyewitness spotted the spirit of George Best lingering at Old Trafford prompting report that Bebe might be recalled so that Best can use Bebe's body to play for Man Utd again.
As long as Evan's Park and Giggs do not play against Arsenal United will win
I think for many United fans having Scholesy back is not the news they really wanted to get the juices flowing. Like most fans of the top-level clubs, they crave a marquee signing. But let's be realistic. However unexciting Fergie's forays, or non-indulgence, into the transfer market may seem, the bottom line is we have to trust in his judgement (which has been proven time-and-time again over many years by the best method known to man: results). For those who keep wittering on with the phrase "Come on, Fergie, be honest with the fans and admit there's no money to spend": please change the tune. Let's not forget he spent about 50 million on three players in the summer. I'm convinced that if not for injuries, we'd be having one of the best seasons ever: clear at the top of the league, in the ECL quarter-finals and in the league cup semi-final.
Isn't Ferdinand just the most irritating person ever to grace the game?.........He would definitely make my top five most irritating players list, together with Gary Neville, John Terry, Joey Barton and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Who was better in ther prime - Scholes or Henry? Is that not a bit like saying who was better in their prime Brian Lara or Richard Hadlee?
My answer to the first question is that Scholes was the best midfielder ever in the PL, whilst Henry rivalled Shearer as the best forward.
Paul, Whalley Range
Rio is only pleased to see Henri back as he may have a chance of keeping up with Henri!
Having Scholes back is a good thing if he's used at the right time in the right games. As for the youngsters looking up to him all the reports would suggest that they probably see tevez as a bigger influence. Oh yeh and what is twitter Rio seems to be a big twit at times!
They should start Super Sunday with a Snakey arrow in Utd's away colours weaving down England. Fergies Frazer Wengers Pike and the old men are on parade but 'Don't Panic'! (Especially if Spivy Walkers value for Money 11 do Musalini's bottlers)
Ferdinand you are right? Only a handfull on the planet who could do it! The youngsters can watch him as long as they like, if they are not upto his standard it's all a waste of time? Ask Bobby Charlton about when he had a dabble ?
( now their WAS a player!)
I think Rio should just shut up and concentrate on his own performances, which need to improve
neither will start zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Eric Cantana has announced that he is not entering the French Presidential race as he has received a better offer from Manchester United.
The former player will be registered next week.
Two players and two managers in the twighlight zone
How many Ex Utd players are these spinning bow-tie office joker type City fans going to hilariously suggest are coming back, im actually feeling embarrassed for you now. Adrian Chile's asked Keano at the cup tie "do you have your boots". Just think what form of life re-tells and re-invents Adrian Chiles humour? Glad i dont work with you guys I dont think my ribs could take some of the crazy email's you'd send.
henry is a doubt for this game as is arteta.......
henry is a doubt for this game as is arteta.......