Rio Ferdinand has claimed that former club Manchester United could be set for a “better season” than Arsenal even if they finish behind the North London side.
The Red Devils are firmly embroiled in a battle to secure a top four spot come the end of the campaign under Erik ten Hag. Arsenal, in the meantime, still top the Premier League table and have a four point lead over nearest rivals Manchester City.
The Gunners have shown a few jitters over recent weeks though after letting 2-0 leads slip against both Liverpool and West Ham. Whilst Mikel Arteta has done an impressive job at the Emirates Stadium throughout the campaign, former Red Devil Ferdinand believes that United are on track for a more impressive season under Ten Hag.
Speaking on his Vibe with Five podcast, the six-time Premier League winner said: "If Arsenal don't win the league and Man Utd finish third and just the one trophy [the Carabao Cup] they have had a better season.
"If you're a player, forget fans, and you finish third and win a trophy, Carabao Cup whatever it is and the team above you finish second and win no trophies, who is the happier player?"
Away from the League Cup, the Red Devils also have the chance to win a further two trophies throughout the remainder of the campaign. They are still in the FA Cup and Europa League and face Brighton and Sevilla respectively throughout the next week.
Who do you think has had the better season - Man Utd or Arsenal? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Ferdinand is not the only one to have suggested that Arsenal’s season might not be as good as first perceived should they fail to end their near two decade wait for a Premier League title. His former colleague Roy Keane suggested that it would be a “terrible” campaign for the Gunners should they fail to go the distance.
Speaking after Arsenal’s draw with West Ham, he said: "No chance. They’ve been top of the table all season. It would be a terrible season. They’re out of every cup competition. 2-0 up last week, 2-0 up today. It’s a huge disappointment."
However, that is not a sentiment that Gary Neville is totally on board with after claiming that the Gunners have still had an impressive season under the stewardship of Arteta. He said: “This title race always started at Anfield. Look at the fixtures.
“But they [Arsenal] would have snapped your hand off to be in this position at the start of the season. Arsenal finishing second would still be an unbelievable season."
The Gunners are currently on track to finish above the Red Devils for the second-consecutive campaign having ended the two previous campaigns behind their past title rivals. Arteta's side are next in action against Southampton on Friday, whilst United take a break from top-flight action
