Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester City will win the Premier League for the fourth year in a row, but believes Manchester United and Arsenal will be their main challengers.
Since Pep Guardiola’s debut at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City has been the dominant power in English football, winning five league titles in six years and finally qualifying for the Champions League last season.
City have added Croatia internationals Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic to Guardiola’s side this summer, although treble winners Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez have also gone.
Ferdinand believes the Premier League trophy will return to the Etihad Stadium in May, but believes Manchester United and Arsenal might fight for the title.
Arsenal came within five points of winning the Premier League title for the first time since 2004 last season, but a late stumble saw them finish fifth.
The Gunners might take another step ahead in 2023-24 after spending over £200 million on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Jurrien Timber this summer.
Manchester United have also made three summer additions – Mason Mount, Andre Onana, and Rasmus Hojlund – and Ferdinand believes his previous team is ‘moving in the right path’ under Erik ten Hag after finishing third and winning the League Cup last season.
‘Manchester United and Arsenal are two title contenders. If anyone is going to challenge them [Man City], it will be them two,’ Ferdinand told TNT Sports.
‘I still believe there is a distinction between Manchester United and Manchester City, both on and off the field.
‘However, I believe Manchester United are on the correct track. I believe you can see how they approached the transfer window; it was decisive and frank.
‘They have executed on three very talented players who will undoubtedly improve the squad, with perhaps another one coming in after that, but we’ll have to wait and see.
‘I believe Arsenal has done the same. They have done an excellent job of recruiting during this span. Three excellent players that will boost not only the squad but also the starting XI.
‘They’ll come close this season, but I don’t think anyone will beat City to the title.’