Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester United players will raise their games in the coming weeks with one eye on the Carabao Cup final. A repeat of the 1999 FA Cup final is set to take place at Wembley when the Red Devils take on Newcastle United.
Erik ten Hag lost his first two games as manager but has transformed Man United into one of the Premier League’s most in-form sides. Victory over Crystal Palace leapfrogged them above the Magpies - who stuttered against West Ham - and into third place.
However, Ten Hag must deal with a busier schedule before the final which could hand Newcastle an advantage. The Red Devils have five fixtures before the February 26 showdown, with Eddie Howe and Co only playing twice.
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With a place in the final up for grabs, ex-defender Ferdinand has insisted every game is “an audition” to earn a spot against Newcastle. The 44-year-old also backed his former side to finish above their League Cup opponents in the Premier League.
“I think Man Utd will finish in the top four quite comfortably now,” Ferdinand told William Hill. “A lot of the other clubs around them aren't as consistent as them, while United have been picking up results.
“They’re still a bit off Arsenal and Manchester City but I can see United finishing in that third spot in the Premier League this season, tying that up and really making that position their own.
“Having qualified for the League Cup final last week, that should give United plenty of confidence going into the coming games, knowing they have that to look forward to. Players will now be playing for their position as everyone wants to play in a final.
“So no player can afford to drop their form or take their foot off the gas. Every game is an audition now to get in that starting XI. So I’m sure all of them will be going for their positions and hoping to start in the final, which will raise competition in the team.”
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