Rio Ferdinand told Andy Mitten where he stood on the best Manchester United player at Old Trafford and his feelings on the 2025-26 Premier League season.
Manchester United were able to lift some of the pressure off their shoulders ahead of the September international break after signing off August with their first win.
The Red Devils were last in Premier League action at Old Trafford late last month and United sealed a dramatic 3-2 win over Burnley in the dying stages of the match.
Bruno Fernandes found the winner for United against Burnley after the Red Devils received a penalty deep into second-half stoppage time in the Premier League tie.
The Red Devils had entered the Burnley match on the back of United’s humiliating defeat to Grimsby Town in the second round of the Carabao Cup in August.
Ruben Amorim was left red-faced at Blundell Park after League Two outfit Grimsby Town caused a stunning upset over United in a thrilling 12-11 penalty shootout win.
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Former TNT Sports pundit and Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand looks on during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Fulham at Villa Park in 2025 in Birmingham, England.
Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images
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Rio Ferdinand didn’t even flinch with two major Man Utd points, including his prediction for Ruben Amorim’s men
Manchester United are ninth in the Premier League table after their opening three league matches of the 2025-26 campaign at Old Trafford under Ruben Amorim.
The Red Devils lost their Premier League opener against Arsenal at Old Trafford in August before United were held to a draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Rio Ferdinand sat down with Andy Mitten for United We Stand and took part in a quick-fire Q&A, with the United legend asked to name the best current player.
The 46-year-old former United and England defender didn’t need to think twice before immediately answering with Red Devils skipper Bruno Fernandes as his pick.
When asked by Mitten about his Premier League prediction for United this season, Ferdinand responded: “7th or 8th.”
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Rio Ferdinand’s stance on Bruno Fernandes shows the role that the Man Utd captain could play in making his prediction come true
Fernandes has been deployed in a deeper role in Amorim’s tactical system for United in the 2025-26 season, with the 31-year-old skipper playing in the two-man pivot.
Amorim has preferred to partner Casemiro alongside the Portugal international in the middle of the park, but there have been concerns over the midfield duo so far.
Fernandes’ influence has waned at times in matches, but the Portugal and United midfielder still remains a key player for former Sporting CP manager Amorim.
Only time will tell if Fernandes can adapt to the role and make a significant impact from it, with the United ace being a shining light in the club’s woeful 2024-25 season.