Rio Ferdinand expects Manchester City to secure their fourth consecutive Premier League title, with Manchester United and Arsenal emerging as their key challengers for the coveted title.
Since Pep Guardiola’s appointment at Etihad Stadium, Man City have emerged as a dominant force in English football, securing five league titles in six years and ending their Champions League drought last season.
City have reinforced Guardiola’s team for the upcoming season through acquisitions like Croatia’s Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic but has also seen the departure of treble-winners Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez.
Rio Ferdinand expresses concern that the Premier League trophy is likely to return to the Etihad Stadium by May. However, he also suggests that Man United and Arsenal could mount challenges for the title.
Arsenal’s pursuit of their first league title since 2004 was promising last season, but a late slump in form resulted in them finishing five points behind the Premier League victors.
Must Read: Man United eyeing a move for Edmond Tapsoba as Harry Maguire replacement
With investments exceeding £200 million on players like Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Jurrien Timber, the Gunners seem poised to make further progress in the upcoming 2023-24 season.
Meanwhile, United have also secured three summer signings – Mason Mount, Andre Onana, and Rasmus Hojlund. Rio Ferdinand asserts that his former club is on the right track, led by Erik ten Hag, as they clinched third place last season and secured the League Cup.
While talking to TNT Sports, he said:
“Manchester United and Arsenal, two challengers. If anyone’s going to get close to them [Man City], it’ll be those two. I still think there’s a difference between Manchester United and Manchester City: on the pitch and off the pitch.”
“But I think Manchester United are going in the right direction. I think you can see how they have approached the transfer window, it’s been very decisive and forthright.”
“They have executed on three very good players who are going to improve the squad no doubt, potentially another one coming in after that, we’ll have to wait and see.”
“And I think Arsenal have done the same. They have recruited superbly well in this window. Three very good players who are not only going to improve the squad but the starting XI. They’ll go close this season but as for City, I don’t think anyone is going to pip them to the title.”
Ferdinand dismissed Liverpool as potential contenders, given their fifth-place finish and Europa League involvement. Despite a strong overall performance last season, United struggled with poor away form.
In the initial four matches of the upcoming season, the Red Devils face Tottenham and Arsenal, from which they managed only a single point last season.
Also Read: Tom Heaton decides to stay at Manchester United after talks with Erik ten Hag
If Ten Hag’s team can secure victories in both away games, it could significantly impact their prospects for the upcoming season.
While it might be premature to discuss titles, these wins could establish a positive tone for the season ahead.
