Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand Shows Support To One Direction Ahead Of MTV VMAs 2012

3 September 2012, 14:54 | Updated: 3 September 2012, 15:09

The England international says he will be voting for the 'One Thing' stars at the music event this week.

One Direction have received a message of support from Manchester United football star Rio Ferdinand ahead of the MTV Video Music Awards 2012.

The 'What Makes You Beautiful' stars have been calling on their fans to help them pick up at least one prize on the night, and the England defender admitted he was pleased to be backing the British stars as they go up against some of the top US performers.

He retweeted a message from Harry Styles and wrote: "I'm gonna vote fella! #FlyingTheFlag."

The boy band will be going up for Best New Artist, Best Pop Video and Most Share-Worthy Video at the industry event at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Thursday (6^th September).

As well as fighting out for an award, the band will also be taking to the stage for a live performance on a line-up which includes Rihanna, Taylor Swift and Pink.

One Direction recently stared in a new preview clip for the show where they took a look back at some of the biggest moments in the ceremony's history.

Meanwhile, the band will head back to the UK later this month for a headline set at the iTunes Festival 2012.