Rio Ferdinand has given his verdict on who will win the Premier League title next season, while also making a comparison between Liverpool and Manchester United.
The 2021-22 campaign went down to the final day as Liverpool hunted Manchester City. Jurgen Klopp’s side did their bit, coming from behind to beat Wolves 3-1 at Anfield.
Aston Villa went 2-0 up at City too, although goals from Ilkay Gundogan (2) and Rodri gave the Manchester club their fourth league title in five seasons.
For the second time in their recent rivalry, Liverpool finished in second place and just one point behind the winners.
Of course, the Reds have already won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup this term. Plus, they can make it a treble by overcoming Real Madrid in the Champions League final.
But Klopp wanted to give Liverpool fans another league title to shout about and he will be disappointed they couldn’t manage this.
While appearing on his Vibe with Five YouTube channel, Ferdinand was asked who will win the league crown in 2022-23.
He called Liverpool ‘remarkable’ but thinks they will ultimately come up short. And the former defender also compared United’s current predicament with that of Liverpool’s before Klopp took charge.
Rio Ferdinand makes 2022-23 Premier League prediction
“It depends on Man United’s recruitment. Jokes! No, no, no,” Ferdinand said.
“Listen, I said at the beginning of this season that Chelsea would win it after winning the Champions League and what [Thomas] Tuchel had done, but they went backwards.
“I’m going to go for City. I think they’ll get the three in a row they’re looking for. I think that will happen.
“But I think what Klopp’s done has been nothing short of remarkable, to come in and change that club around. Where they were is almost like where Man United are at now.
“So if [Erik] ten Hag can come in and do like what he [Klopp] did, we’ll be looking at him as a Messiah. So I think it’s only right we do that with Klopp.”
It would be an incredible achievement if City lifted three straight league titles. This feat has only ever been done by their rivals United, so Guardiola will be hoping to match it.
But spare a thought for Liverpool, who have some of the highest points tallies in Prem history but only one crown to their name so far. They cannot be written off ahead of next season, although Ferdinand is right about City being favourites.
Meanwhile, French outlet RMC Sport have given a huge update on Aurelien Tchouameni’s next club, amid links with Liverpool.
