Rio: United can ‘still get paws’ on other teams

Sarah Winterburn

Rio Ferdinand has cited the ‘inconsistencies’ of teams above Manchester United as a reason why they could still finish in the top four.

United are nine points behind fourth-placed Manchester City and have themselves had consistency – three straight 1-1 draws.

Ferdinand claims that every club bar Chelsea is vulnerable, telling ESPN:

“I still think, in the league, Manchester United have got players with experience and they are capable of going on a run. I see there are still inconsistencies in the teams above them. People can be caught, just on that basis.

“In many other seasons gone by, I would have said I don’t think that’s possible and they wouldn’t be able to catch teams from nine points behind at Christmas, but I don’t think that other teams are that much more consistent that they are going to be streets and streets ahead. Lots of teams are going to drop points.

“I see Manchester City dropping points — they are not as consistent as everyone would expect. Liverpool lost to Bournemouth at the weekend — not what everyone expects. Tottenham have come out of a bit of a slump, in terms of not winning games and drawing too many, and are doing alright now, but I don’t see everyone being consistent.

“Chelsea seem to be the most consistent team at the moment, but we’ll have to wait and see. Arsenal over the years have dropped points in the league at times, when you think they should be going on a run.

“I just don’t see too many teams running away from Manchester United. I still think Manchester United can get their paws on the other teams.”