Manchester United legend, Rio Ferdinand has predicted that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side will finish in the Premier League top-four this season and qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
He also identified Aston Villa and Norwich City as the teams that will be relegated this season, while newly-promoted side, Sheffield United, will be the surprise team this term.
Asked about Man United’s chances this season, Ferdinand told Starsport: “Fourth. I think we’ll finish Champions League position. I really hope we do.
“Would that be a successful season? Yeah, given their transition they’re in. There’s been a new idea, transfer policy wise, young British hungry players.
“What I’m hoping to see a difference in this season was that when Ole came in, after a while, he said ‘They’re not fit enough’. When you watch their preseason, they look fit, working hard.
“It’s a big difference. If you can add fitness levels to your team, then they can start carrying out what he wants them to do.
“I don’t think they could carry out what he wanted them to do last season because of their fitness.
“If that’s a big change, there’s a good chance they can finish higher than they did last season.
“I just hope Ole gets the time and the team shows some signs early on this season that they are going in the right direction.
“United fans are loyal fans and understanding fans and if they see an idea that is being nurtured in the right direction for the future of the club, they’ll get behind it. It’s important they see that early.”
Ferdinand added: “Going down, I think Norwich will be a bit short, haven’t really invested, a young team. Villa, will all those players gel – and then I’m going to go someone like Southampton.
“I think Brighton will be down there, Newcastle too. But those three, I’m going to go for. Surprise package: Sheffield United.”
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