London, Oct 31 (ANI): Manchester United boss wants his top most defender Rio Ferdinand to get his priorities right as off-field distractions are contributing to his poor form.

Ferguson ordered Ferdinand to pull out of the screening of a new film "Dead Man Running", a movie he co-produced with Ashley Cole, an England teammate.

The United manager went on the defensive on Friday and refused to answer questions about Ferdinand's fall from grace, but is concerned about the number of high-profile errors the defender is making.

Ferdinand questioned whether private business interests have undermined the player's focus, The Times reports.

Ferdinand's poor display in the 2-0 defeat by Liverpool at Anfield last Sunday prompted the manager to take action.

Ferguson was dismayed that the defender chose to attend the London screening of the film last week before such a big game and just hours after a long flight back from Moscow.

The Manchester United boss felt that Ferdinand was pushing his luck by planning to attend another showing just 48 hours before United's Barclays Premier League match against Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford this evening.

Ferguson is worries about Ferdinand's showbiz lifestyle, which reminds of David Beckham, the former United midfield player who was jettisoned in 2003.

Reports yesterday claimed that Tottenham Hotspur were considering a move for Ferdinand, but Ferguson will assess the player's form and suspect fitness over the season before making a decision on his future. (ANI)