Rio Ferdinand has compared Arsenal's rebuild to Manchester United's.
The Gunners failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League last season but improved dramatically from their disappointing 2020/21 campaign that saw them finish eighth in the Premier League. Similarly, United endured a torrid season last time out, finishing sixth, 11 points behind Mikel Arteta's side.
The Red Devils have since appointed Erik ten Hag as their new head coach but Ferdinand still thinks Arsenal are the better side at this moment in time. "They are", he told the Vibe with Five YouTube channel when asked if the Gunners are ahead in their rebuild.
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"We’ve got a new manager, it’s obvious, we’ve got a new manager who’s come in and try and implement all his ideas, we’re going to be behind you in that sense. Both the clubs have been in a state so we’re fighting over nothing.
"I’m saying in terms of where we’re at, we’re both shambolic compared to history." Ferdinand also urged Arsenal fans to trust Arteta considering the progress the north London outfit have made under the Spaniard's tutelage over the last few months.
He added: "I just feel he’s been very very, kind of, definitive in what he’s doing. [Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang, the superstar, big money signing, the man who’s got the biggest contract at the club, he weren’t happy with a couple of things, made a decision, get out you’re not for me.
"If he’s going to be able to do that with your biggest talent, who’s on the biggest money, you’ve got to stick with him, trust the process. Now they’ve opened the cheque book, bought Jesus etc you’ve got to trust what he’s doing.
"Are they in a better position at the start of this season and than where they were last season? 100%. So why shuffle the pack?"
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