Rio Ferdinand has tipped Manchester City to pull off their sixth Premier League win in seven years this season, but named Arsenal and Manchester United as the biggest threats to Pep Guardiola’s dominance in the English top flight.
The United legend watched his crosstown rivals lift the Champions League trophy in Istanbul to match his own Treble triumph in a first for the club in June, capping a magnificent season both at home and abroad.
The Cityzens’ earlier claiming of the Premier League marked the third year in a row Man City had won the league, after pipping Arsenal to the post during a strong season for Mikel Arteta’s men.
Since coming a close second, Arsenal have recruited heavily to tilt once again at the title in the upcoming 2023-24 campaign, including spending a British-record £105million on former West Ham captain Declan Rice, as have United.
But although the Gunners came out on top to clinch Sunday’s Community Shield against the sky blue side of Manchester, Ferdinand stayed steadfast in his belief that City would ultimately hold onto the league for one more season, despite ‘challenges’ from Arsenal and United.
Rio Ferdinand expects Manchester City to claim a fourth consecutive Premier League title
However Arsenal – and their new-look side fronted by former West Ham captain Declan Rice – could threaten the side
The pundit highlighted the crucial differences between Man City and their closest rivals
Speaking to TNT Sports, Ferdinand said: ‘Manchester United and Arsenal, two challengers. If anyone’s going to get close to (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.’
Erik ten Hag has seen a number of his priority signings ensnared since the start of the transfer window, with United starting their summer spend with the £60m signing of Mason Mount.
The club later added former Inter Milan shot-stopper Andre Onana and Danish striking prospect Rasmus Hojlund to their haul to the tune of a combined £119m.
‘And I think Arsenal have done the same,’ Ferdinand continued.
‘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.’
The Gunners led the way in the league for much of the season thanks to slick performances from season standouts including captain Martin Odegaard and England starlet Bukayo Saka, but faltered in the final weeks of the campaign.
Man United could also halt City’s dominance but Ferdinand wasn’t entirely optimistic for his former club this season
Building up squad depth after last season was arguably derailed by a number of ill-timed injuries has been a priority for Arteta, who has made eye-catching moves for Ajax’s Jurrien Timber, former Chelsea forward Kai Havertz, and Brentford No 1 David Raya during a window brimful of league-winning intent.
But the Treble winners have made their own amendments too, with Guardiola finessing his squad ahead of their season opener against Burnley on Friday.
Man City signed former Chelsea midfield lynchpin Mateo Kovacic at the start of the window, and made Josko Gvardiol one of the most expensive defender’s in Premier League history after agreeing a £77m fee for the former RB Leipzig player.
The English champions may also look to add West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta to the mix, after reportedly tabling a £70m offer for the Brazil international – although the Hammers insist the player is not for sale after just one season at the London Stadium.
