It’s prediction time across the footballing circles as the Premier League season inches closer, and all eyes will be on Manchester United.
After subverting every expectation in the worst way possible and finishing 15th in the Premier League last season, common sense dictates that the worst is over.
Man Utd have posted back-to-back worst-ever Premier League seasons in their history, and after spending close to £200m on a reformed attack, the expectations are high.
Rio Ferdinand made a clear prediction on where Man Utd can finish this season. Ruben Amorim can do something ridiculous.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim looks on prior to the pre-season friendly match between Manchester United and Fiorentina at Old Trafford in 2025 in Manchester, England.
Photo by Ben Roberts – Danehouse/Getty Images
Rio Ferdinand predicts Man Utd’s Premier League finish
A big reason why there is optimism surrounding Man Utd, even more than usual, is that two of their three signings don’t just strengthen them, they also weaken a direct opposition.
Diogo Dalot accepted Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo were huge problems for United when they played for the opposition, so their addition is most welcome.
Furthermore, as Ruben Amorim said himself, United finally have a focal point up top to his liking, so Benjamin Sesko should make a difference to the attack.
It is common wisdom that last season’s finish won’t be repeated. The question is, how much will United improve, and what is a realistic finish?
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Ferdinand, speaking on his YouTube channel, said United should have a baseline expectation going into the season, and anything above will be simply ridiculous.
He said: “Man Utd will be the biggest improvement. 100%. I think Man United are top eight. Anything above that will be ridiculous, like “Wow!”, compared to what it was.”
Man Utd vs Arsenal will set the tone
It will feel like an exaggeration to say this for the first game of the season, but the momentum behind Man Utd and the optimistic air around the club need to be maintained after the first game.
Despite the game being against Arsenal, who are expected to challenge for the title, United can’t afford to drop all the points in the opener.
Even a draw will keep some of that wind in their sails, and a win would be magic, but a loss will completely puncture the goodwill earned from the pre-season.
Ferdinand predicted a 1-1 draw in Man Utd vs Arsenal, which is not the worst result in the world, and keeps United alive to fight another day.
Amorim and his team have built so much momentum, and the promises have been so extreme, that an opening day loss will hurt badly.
It’s not an exaggeration to say that the first game of the season will set the tone. Begin as you mean to go on, as they say.