AMSTERDAM, Aug 3:- Rio Ferdinand’s full debut for Manchester United proved a losing one as the English Premier League side lost 2-1 to Ajax Amsterdam in a pre-season friendly tournament Friday.

Ferdinand, United’s record 30 million pounds signing from Leeds United, made way for fellow defender Wes Brown in the 58th minute.

United were already a goal down at that stage, trailing to a 39th minute close-range finish from Victor Sikora.

Ajax, who also hit the woodwork in the first half through Rafael van der Vaart’s header, doubled their lead on 75 minutes through Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Paul Scholes pulled a goal back three minutes later but it was not enough to prevent defeat.—Reuters