Rio Ferdinand believes this season has seen Manchester United make significant progress - but that challenging Manchester City is a whole new level to reach.
United fell to defeat in Saturday's FA Cup final at Wembley, with Ilkay Gundogan scoring either side of Bruno Fernandes' equaliser from the penalty spot. It was a second domestic cup final for Erik ten Hag's side - who came out on top against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup. But City - who are now gunning for the treble ahead of next weekend's Champions League final - proved too strong on the day.
Yet, a third placed finish in the Premier League and reaching two finals has to be viewed as positive in the eyes of ex-United defender Ferdinand. He was full of respect for City in his post-match review and emphasised just how tough it will be for his old club to go toe-to-toe in the title race - while Guardiola and co are still around.
READ MORE: United player ratings vs City as duo fail to impress
"Man United, they've gotten to two cup finals this year, won one and got into the top four - a Champions League place," said Ferdinand on his FIVE YouTube channel. "That ain't something to be sniffed at. If we'd said (that) at the beginning of the season, every Manchester United player - where we were at that time - would've bitten your hand off and gone: 'Do you know what? That would be a step in the right direction and improvement on where we've been in the last few years'.
"The direction of the club... could we see the improvement and building blocks? It wasn't in a great position in that sense. The leadership at the club wasn't right. I think Richard Arnold has now gone into the club and approached things a bit differently. Erik ten Hag has come in. The recruitment of Casemiro and Martinez has been huge especially, has been huge - Varane when he has been fit. But, Martinez and Casemiro have been huge, huge additions to this team.
"Bruno (Fernandes) and Marcus Rashford have stepped up. But, they are going to have to add some pieces if they're to get any close to this Man City team - who just seem to be sailing away with it, further ahead each time you see them play. United players gave it their all but it just wasn't good enough. I think you just have to accept that."
READ NEXT:
