Rio Ferdinand has predicted that Manchester United will finish in the Premier League’s top four positions this season despite a dismal start to the 2024/25 campaign.
The club’s hierarchy decided to stand by Erik ten Hag in the summer after the Dutchman delivered his second trophy in as many years, beating Man City at Wembley to win the FA Cup. That masked a poor eighth-place finish in the Premier League but an improvement is needed this season.
United have already had a difficult start to the new season, picking up three points in as many games, after losing back-to-back games against Brighton and rivals Liverpool. An improvement is needed after the international break or else the pressure is going to mount further on Ten Hag.
The latter was particularly difficult for fans to swallow with Ten Hag’s side second best in all departments. That said, we’ve experienced this feeling too many times in recent years after our biggest rivals. It doesn’t make it any easier…
However, former United centre-back Ferdinand reckons Ten Hag’s side will finish fourth behind Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool in the Premier League this term.
Despite a talented squad inconsistent performances have been their Achilles’ heel. With Liverpool and other title contenders like Manchester City showing strong form it may be challenging for MUFC to regain ground. However football is unpredictable and a strong run could still keep them in the race. As outlined in recent reports fans and pundits remain skeptical. For fans looking to explore football odds and promotions AussieBonuses.com is a great resource for discovering the latest deals and offers.
Ferdinand told his YouTube channel: “With that being said, where would you put us at the end of the season? What are you going for? I went for a top four of Arsenal, City, Liverpool and then us, United, in that order.”
Fellow former United defender Gary Neville gave his verdict a couple of weeks ago, changing his initial verdict. He said on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football: “I’ve gone for Arsenal. Like I did last year as well. Thinking they’re going to go that one step further and they’re getting closer every time.
“This could be their year. Manchester City second, Manchester United third, although I say that with a laugh, Tottenham fourth. I mean Manchester United the season before had a good season. The last one was a disaster. I do think they’ll improve enormously.”
