“They can’t say it yet!” – Rio Ferdinand explains why Manchester City cannot be compared to his Manchester United side
Despite Manchester City's recent dominance in English football, Rio Ferdinand claimed that they can't be compared to Manchester United yet. Ferdinand was a part of the United side that won the UEFA Champions League and multiple Premier League titles.
City, meanwhile, have won five Premier League title in the last six years and have established an unprecedented dominance in English football. Ferdinand, though, is still unwilling to give them the status of the Red Devils side that he played for.
The legendary central defender said (via Metro):
"I have to say congratulates to Man City. Three in a row, they’ve been formidable. They let Arsenal get a bit of a lead but they had the experience to turn it around when the business end of the season came. I don’t even think they went into overdrive, they just put it into second and went, “See you later!”
He added:
"This team will be talked about as one of the best Premier League teams ever, no doubt. They might be better [than the 07/08 United team] but they need to win a few more things yet. If they win the Champions League then that conversation definitely happens. They can’t say it yet! They’ve got to win the Champions League."
City are on course for a historic treble as they will feature in the UEFA Champions League and FA Cup finals next month vs Inter Milan and Manchester United respectively. The Cityzens have already won the 2022-23 Premier League title.
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand spoke about the Alex Ferguson vs. Pep Guardiola debate
Rio Ferdinand was asked about the debate between Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola. Many believe Guardiola has eclipsed the Manchester United legend with his achievements in the game.
Ferdinand chimed in on the topic and addressed how both managers were revolutionary and changed the game in their own way. Ferdinand refused to give a verdict.
However, the former Manchester United defender lauded Guardiola, telling on the Vibe with Five podcast:
"How many managers influence a whole generation in terms of the style of football? The whole football pyramid has changed they way they look at football because of one man’s thought process and that’s Pep Guardiola."
He added:
"We’re seeing teams at Sunday football with two centre-halves dropping towards near the corner flag to get the ball. That never happened ever. But this guy choose to do it."
Guardiola will have the chance to further add to his legacy as he can lead Manchester City to the FA Cup and UEFA Champions League glory this season.