Ferdinand: 'Man City will win the Premier League for the fourth consecutive time'

According to former center-back Rio Ferdinand, Man Utd and Arsenal can compete and are the biggest threats, but cannot overthrow Man City in the Premier League 2023-2024 season.

"Man Utd and Arsenal are two competitors to Man City," Ferdinand told TNT Sports on August 10. "If any club can get close to Man City, it can only be Man Utd and Arsenal. But I still think there is a difference between Man Utd, Arsenal and Man City, both on and off the field."

Last season, Man City overcame Arsenal in the final stages to win the Premier League for the fifth time in the last six seasons. Then, Pep Guardiola's team beat Man Utd 2-1 in the FA Cup final and Inter Milan 1-0 in the Champions League final to win a historic treble.

Man City striker Haaland celebrates winning the 2022-2023 Premier League title at Etihad Stadium on May 21. Photo: Guardian — Man City striker Haaland celebrates winning the 2022-2023 Premier League title at Etihad Stadium on May 21. Photo: *Guardian*

This summer, Man City have strengthened two positions with the Croatian duo of midfielder Mateo Kovacic and center-back Josko Gvardiol. Arsenal have been the biggest spenders since the start of the transfer window, splashing out over $250 million to sign Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber, Declan Rice, and reaching an agreement to buy goalkeeper David Raya from Brentford. Man Utd have signed Mason Mount, Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund, and are targeting another defensive midfielder.

According to Ferdinand, both Man Utd and Arsenal approached the transfer window decisively and straightforwardly, signing three quality new players who could immediately break into the starting lineup. However, the former England defender still predicted Man City would win their fourth consecutive Premier League title. "Man Utd and Arsenal will close the gap with Man City, but I don't think any club can stop Guardiola's side from winning the title," Ferdinand said.

Gary Neville was also impressed with Arsenal's transfer activity, but unlike Ferdinand, the former Man Utd defender believes Mikel Arteta's side can win the Premier League next season. "I don't think Arsenal could have done any better this summer to close the gap with Man City," the former England defender told The Overlap . "Arsenal have shown ambition and will be stronger with three new signings. I think Arsenal can overtake Man City to win the title."

Neville's former teammate, Louis Saha, believes Manchester United's chances of winning the title would be higher if they signed Harry Kane – the striker who recently agreed to join Bayern Munich. "Manchester United can compete for every title when they are playing more consistently," Saha said. "Manchester United's goal this season is to win the Premier League. This is very difficult, and Manchester United needs to start the new season with confidence and a little bit of arrogance, believing they can win it."

Meanwhile, Dimitar Berbatov ignored Arsenal, and said Chelsea - who are starting a new dynasty under Mauricio Pochettino and do not play in Europe - can focus on winning the Premier League. "I will not say Man City anymore, when I clearly want Man Utd to win the title," the former Bulgaria striker told Betfair . "I think the Premier League champions will be Man Utd or Chelsea. I like the story of an underrated club like Chelsea creating a surprise. I also like Pochettino and want him to succeed in England and win a title."

The new Premier League season will kick off this weekend, starting with Man City's away match at Burnley at 2am tomorrow, August 12, Hanoi time.

Hong Duy

Source link