Man Utd have conceded only four goals in 15 games thanks to the influence of Rio Ferdinand.

LION OF THE WEEKEND: Manchester United have conceded only four goals in 15 games thanks to the influence of Rio Ferdinand.

There was plenty to talk about after Manchester United’s 2-0 FA Cup Fifth Round win at Everton on Saturday.

The return of Wayne Rooney to Goodison Park, the fantastic wing play of Cristiano Ronaldo and the incident that saw goalkeeper Roy Carroll struck by an object thrown from the crowd.

Almost unmissed was yet another towering performance from Rio Ferdinand and the Manchester United defence as they kept a third clean sheet in a row and took their record to only four goals in 15 games.

Ferdinand helped restrict Everton to one scoring opportunity all game, missed by Marcus Bent.

The England defender was in total command in the air and on the ground, and ventured forward at times to create space for his attacking team-mates.

Another footballing centre-half Russell Osman, formerly of Ipswich and England, has chosen Ferdinand as the Lion of the Weekend with several internationals not in action on FA Cup weekend.

"People go on about United’s attacking flair but they have the best defence in England with the possible exception of Chelsea," said Osman.

"Ferdinand has always been regarded as a cultured defender but maybe someone who would give you a chance. But his concentration seems much better this season.

"He is a natural athlete but is also learning the discipline of defending.

In addition, he showed on Saturday he is comfortable bringing the ball out from the back as well."

Lion of the Season - Total nominations so far

Stewart Downing 3 (08 Nov, 18 Oct, 04 Oct)
Shaun Wright-Phillips 3 (25 Oct, 16 Aug, 22 Nov)

Michael Owen 2 (01 Nov, 30 Aug)
John Terry 2 (29 Nov, 13 Dec)
Alan Smith 2 (23 Aug, 04 Jan)
Frank Lampard 2 (06 Dec, 17 Jan)
Wayne Rooney 2 (15 Nov, 31 Jan)
David James 2 (13 Sept, 07 Feb)
Jermain Defoe 2 (20 Dec, 14 Feb)
Rio Ferdinand 2 (11 Oct, 21 Feb)

Ashley Cole 1 (27 Sept)
Ledley King 1 (20 Sept)
Steven Gerrard 1 (06 Sept)

Darren Carter 1 (10 Jan)
Dean Ashton 1 (24 Jan)

* Every Monday TheFA.com announces the outstanding England player from the weekend’s matches, selected with the help of a former England international.

Lion of the Weekend is chosen by five former England internationals: Alan Mullery, Russell Osman, Mick Mills, Malcolm Macdonald and Paul Parker.

The player with the most votes at the end of the season will be crowned "Lion of the Season".