Rio Ferdinand, the former Manchester United footballer, has given his predictions for the upcoming Premier League season.
While Manchester City are the clear favorites to take the Premier League crown, Rio Ferdinand believes Arsenal and Manchester United can challenge them.
City have dominated football in England since Pep Guardiola took charge in 2016. The Citizens have won a whopping five league titles in just six years under the Catalan. They put their Champions League curse to bed last season and have strengthened over the summer by signing Croatian duo Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol.
But despite City’s impressive track record, Ferdinand thinks Man Utd and Arsenal can give them a run for their money after some impressive signings of their own.
“If anyone is going to get close to them [Man City], it’ll be those two [Manchester United and Arsenal],” the ex-England defender told TNT Sports.
Fresh off a third-place finish in manager Erik ten Hag’s debut campaign, Manchester United look strong. Last season’s Carabao Cup winners have secured three summer signings in Mason Mount, Andre Onana, and Rasmus Hojlund.
Their summer business has Ferdinand convinced the club is heading in “the right direction”, even though there is still some way to go before catching up with City.
“I think you can see how they [United] approached the transfer window. It has been very decisive and forthright,” Ferdinand continued.
As for Arsenal, who have signed three players – Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber, Declan Rice – of their own, Ferdinand added: “They have recruited superbly well. Three very good players who are not only going to improve the squad but the starting XI.
“They will go close this season but as for City, I don’t think anyone is going to pip City to the title.”
Be sure not to miss out on the latest news about Manchester City
Download our brand new App and follow your favorite players, clubs, and much more
