Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has claimed that he is still backed his former club to win the league title this season. United lost on opening day of the season to Swansea at Old Trafford. This is in addition to manager Louis van Gaal saying after the match that the team’s confidence has been shattered following this defeat. Ferdinand has been part of numerous title winning teams with Manchester United after moving to the club for a then club record £ 30 million in 2002. The experience of having won these titles appears to have thought him that the title is not lost after the opening game of the season.
However, this was the first defeat suffered by United on opening game since the early 1970s. To add to the difficulty, all their title rivals like Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City won their matches. Louis van Gaal said after the Swansea match that he needed at least three months in order to get the team playing at their best. In the past, United have been able to win titles by performing brilliantly in the second half, but the competition is so intense nowadays that they need to be at the top throughout the campaign. Despite the setback, Ferdinand says that he still would back United for the title.
“I’m backing Manchester United to win the League. I do not see Chelsea winning. Manchester United will win because they’ve got a good manager. Wayne Rooney is a good choice as captain. This is his 10th year and he will be top scorer in the League this season. Obviously, they need their best players fit. Last season Robin van Persie did not play much but he could also be a top goal scorer,” said the defender, who moved to QPR on a free transfer.
