Rio Ferdinand backs Man United to ‘BOUNCE’ into the top four – as he hopes the Red Devils can grow in confidence in 2024… as Jermaine Jenas scoffs at his predictions calling them ‘mad’

Rio Ferdinand has backed Manchester United to finish in the top four of the Premier League this season despite Erik ten Hag's side having made a difficult start to the 2023/24 campaign.

United currently sit seventh in the table, six points clear of rivals Man City, who currently occupy fourth place.

Pressure is mounting on Ten Hag after the Red Devils crashed out of the Champions League, losing eight games so far this season, having recently suffered defeats to both West Ham and Bournemouth.

United have also suffered a string of injuries, with Luke Shaw, Casemiro and Raphael Varane all sidelined for spells this season.

Despite this, Ferdinand backed his former side to break into the top four, much to the skepticism of fellow pundit Jermaine Jenas.

Ferdinand claimed Erik ten Hag's side would finish in the top four this season

United have had a difficult start to the season and are currently seventh in the table, but recorded a big 3-2 win against Aston Villa last week

Ferdinand made his top-four predictions to TNT Sports ahead of Luton's match against Chelsea and presenter Jules Breach questioned his inclusion of Man United, asking him why he thought Ten Hag's side would 'clinch the Champions League qualification spots can sneak in'.

Ferdinand replied: 'Who said sneak in, I didn't say sneak in. United will be there.'

Breach said, “You think?” to which Ferdinand added: 'Yes, I'm sure!'

Speaking on whether Sir Jim Ratcliffe's recent investment in the club could turn things around for United, he said: 'I don't think [the new minority owners] will have some influence on that at the moment as they will have no influence on the next transfer window.'

Ferdinand, who had also previously called on Ratcliffe and INEOS to unveil their plans for the football club, added: “They are going to be watching as observers and seeing what is going on and the big behind-the-scenes challenges they face.” can then change. . I think the big challenge is injuries.

“Man United are one of the biggest injury-plagued teams this season, but in January a lot of those players will be back and I think they will have a big impact going forward. Man United are still in contact.

“And with a bigger squad playing again and hopefully more confident, they will be back in the top four.”

United have suffered eight defeats this season and have suffered losses to West Ham and Bournemouth in recent weeks

But his opinion was soon questioned by Jenas, who said: 'Do you really believe this? Because I remember you having a meltdown at Fulham…'

'Yes, why are you interrogating me? “I'm not questioning you, bruv,” Ferdinand said.

Jenas replied, “Listen, mine was legit. I just don't think there was any bias in what I did.”

'Yes, Villa has had a few good months. You played for Villa, didn't you?' Ferdinand replied.

Jenas said: 'Yes, I was there for a few months, but the shout from United is crazy.'

Ferdinand said: 'If Man United finish fourth without winning a trophy then that is very likely. It's an okay season.

Jenas: “I think this is an incredible season considering the start they've had.”

But looking back on the 2022-2023 season, Ferdinand added: 'Based on last season when they won a trophy and finished in the top four, things have gone downhill, haven't they.

“They'll bounce in there – they could even finish third,” he added.

Rio Ferdinand has backed Manchester United to 'bounce' into the top four this season

Jenas, meanwhile, claimed Aston Villa would beat Tottenham to finish in the top four this season after Unai Emery's strong start to the season.

“I thought it was a battle between Villa and Spurs to get that spot in the top four,” he told TNT Sports.

'I think Spurs' injuries are too devastating. The spell they are after and players leaving for AFCON and Son Heung-min are also leaving.

“There are so many different factors why I don't think they'll get it this year, but I think Villa could get it this year.”