Rio Ferdinand says gulf 'still huge' between Manchester United and Manchester City despite derby win
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Updated 14/01/2023 at 22:33 GMT
Rio Ferdinand warned that the gulf 'is still huge' between Manchester United and Manchester City despite a morale-boosting win for the Red Devils in Saturday's derby. Erik ten Hag's side closed the gap to their rivals to one point as they climbed to third in the Premier League table. Former United midfielder Paul Scholes believes that they can launch a title challenge.
'Fans may dream, not us' - Ten Hag on United's title chances after win over City
Manchester United still have a long way to go to bridge the ‘huge' gulf to rivals Manchester City, according to Rio Ferdinand, but Paul Scholes believes the Red Devils are in the title race.
Erik ten Hag’s side continued their terrific recent form by coming from behind to beat their neighbours 2-1 at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Victory lifted them into third place in the Premier League standings, one point behind the Citizens, but former United defender Ferdinand warned against interpreting the result as a power shift in the city.
“They’re closing the gap slightly, but there’s still a major way to go,” Ferdinand told BT Sport. "I think the gulf between the clubs is still huge.
"Don’t let this result take that away or let things become unrealistic. Man United have still got a way to go, but they’re on the right road now.
“I felt something in this ground today that I haven’t felt for a very long time. There was a belief, there was a connection between the players on the pitch and the fans again, because there’s a committed team out there who are willing to fight, who won’t fold under pressure, who won’t fold when there’s a bad spell in the game.
“That can only be good for the future of this team. The manager has to have huge compliments right now because he’s building a team that are up for the fight.”
Ten Hag has led United to nine consecutive wins in all competitions and questions are now being raised about whether they can mount a surprise title challenge.
Leaders Arsenal are six points ahead with a game in hand, but with more than half of the season left to play, ex-United midfielder Scholes is optimistic about his former club’s chances.
“We’ve learned that United can beat a big team when the pressure is on, when they needed to," Scholes said. "You asked before if they’re in the title race – I think you have to say they are.
“If they keep people fit, they’re one point behind City now. City to me are still the favourites, they’re still the best team in this league. It’s ok winning games now, but it’s March/April time when it’s so hard to win those games.
“Arsenal are doing really well, they look a really good team. Injuries could affect them, and they’re inexperienced. They’ve got a manager who hasn’t won a league title, players who haven’t won trophies really.
“There are 20/21 games to go. There’s so far to go – this could change by February.”
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