Rio Ferdinand has backed both Liverpool and Manchester United to secure a top-four finish in the upcoming Premier League campaign.
Both teams are entering a new era this season, albeit in different ways.
Liverpool have appointed Arne Slot to replace Jurgen Klopp and the Dutchman will look to build on the Reds’ third-place finish from last season.
Manchester United, on the other hand, have revamped their sporting structure after INEOS acquired a minority stake in the club and continue to make wholesale changes to their personnel on and off the pitch.
Rio Ferdinand believes Liverpool will finish above Manchester United
And it is Liverpool who Ferdinand believes will come out on top in the battle of England’s two most successful clubs.
Ferdinand believes Arsenal will win the Premier League title, with Manchester City set to finish second.
And, although the United legend acknowledged the fact that Liverpool’s season will depend on how quickly they adapt to Arne Slot’s tactics, he believes they have enough experience to secure a third-place finish, ahead of his former side.
“For third, it’s controversial but Liverpool. They’ve got that experience and a lot is going to depend on how they adapt to the new manager and his tactics,” Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel.
“Based on what I’ve seen from pre-season, they look ready and I expect a big season from Mohamed Salah.
On Manchester United, the former club captain feels the work they’ve done in the transfer market should be enough to improve on their eighth-place finish from last season.
Ferdinand continued: “I think I’ll go Manchester United for fourth. They’ve made signings who can get them from eighth to that level but need to stay clear of injuries.”
Analysing Liverpool and Manchester United’s transfer windows so far
Manchester United have been active in the transfer market and have already completed the signings of Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.
Yoro was linked with a move to Liverpool, PSG and Real Madrid, but the Frenchman joined the Red Devils for a fee believed to be in the region of £60m.
Ten Hag’s side are still on the lookout for signings and haven’t ruled out adding to their squad before deadline day.
Liverpool, on the other hand, are the only Premier League side yet to make a signing this summer.
Liverpool, on the other hand, are the only Premier League side yet to make a signing this summer.
Martin Zubimendi opted to stay at Real Sociedad despite generating concrete interest from the Reds, while a £75m deal to sign Anthony Gordon fell through as Newcastle United pulled the plug on it.
Liverpool could revisit the Gordon deal, but the possibility of the transfer window slamming shut without a single player coming through the door is starting to loom large over Anfield.