Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has been photographed enjoying a night out alongside former X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos.

The 25-year-old singer posted a photograph of the pair on Instagram yesterday, the same day that United succumbed to a 3-1 defeat against Chelsea.

Alongside the photograph with Ferdinand, who was not in the squad for Sunday's game, Tulisa wrote: "Sick night in manny with @rioferdy5 had 2 retire early though was proper slacking last night #lightweight LOL."

The former N-Dubz singer, who previously dated Queens Park Rangers player Danny Simpson, will go on trial in July for her alleged involvement in the supply of class A drugs.