Rio Ferdinand has been speaking about Manchester City ahead of Sunday’s big Premier League derby against Manchester United.
The city will grind to a standstill on Sunday as the two arch-rivals lock horns at the Etihad Stadium, with three points and bragging rights at stake.
Neither Manchester City nor Manchester United have had a particularly great start to the new season.
City have just three points after losing their last two games, while United are on four points – and were also knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Grimsby Town.
Rio Ferdinand looked ahead to the derby as he revealed what he’s been hearing people say about City – which he believes is wrong.
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Erling Haaland of Manchester City shoots whilst under pressure from Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United during the Emirates FA Cup Final between Manchester City and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on June 03, 2023
Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images
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Rio Ferdinand does not think Manchester City should already be written off as title challengers
As a Man United legend, Ferdinand was obviously leaning towards his former side, claiming this is probably a good time to face City.
At the same time, Ferdinand said the international break came at a good time for City, given it halted what could have become a terrible run of form.
Ferdinand, speaking on his YouTube channel, also admitted he has been hearing people saying City’s title hopes are already over, which he believes is premature.
“What I would say is, I don’t think… I keep seeing people saying City’s title hopes are over,” Ferdinand said.
“They’re too experienced. They’ve got a great manager.
“They’ve won too much in recent years to write them off after three or four games. It’s just impossible to do that.
“And they’ve got the top goal scorer in the league still. [Erling] Haaland is still there. Still top. He’s got three goals, a top goal scorer.”
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Manchester City vs Manchester United team news
Man City will be without Omar Marmoush, who suffered a knee injury on international duty.
Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Mateo Kovacic are the other confirmed absentees for City, while John Stones is a doubt due to a muscle complaint.
Meanwhile, Man United will be without Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount, who both had to come off in the win over Burnley due to injury.
Diogo Dalot is also unavailable after withdrawing from Portugal duty last week with a muscle issue, while Lisandro Martinez remains a long-term absentee.