Rio Ferdinand feels Manchester United are lagging behind Chelsea and Manchester City in this season’s Premier League title race – because their squad lacks depth.
Speaking on his FIVE YouTube channel, Ferdinand explained why his former club are slightly off the pace in terms of the Premier League title race.
United have recruited well this summer, adding Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad.
Yet there remains a sense more quality additions are required before United can truly compete for City’s crown.
Ferdinand: Give Manchester United lads ‘a breather’
At times last season, Solskjaer was susceptible to keeping virtually the same side for a run of games.
Of course, why would you change a winning formula?
But, because of the intensity of the fixture schedule, it was impossible to maintain the same high standards without rotation and fresh personnel.
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This is something Chelsea and City can afford to do. And it’s a strength Ferdinand thinks United are simply unable to match right now.
“The difference between Chelsea and Manchester City compared with everyone else in the league is depth,” said the former United and England centre-back.
“You look at both of their B-teams, they’d compete in this league.
“If (Romelu) Lukaku, (Mason) Mount and (Kai) Havertz play as a front three (for Chelsea), the back-up front three is (Timo) Werner, (Christian) Pulisic and (Hakim) Ziyech.
“That’s just nuts. Liverpool don’t have that depth. Man United don’t have that depth. It’s crazy. That’s the difference.
“I just see those two teams being a step ahead at the moment – unless Man United come out of the blocks flying.
“But Man United will still be a threat. They’ll be up there.”
Red Devils require depth
The signing of Sancho certainly takes some of the burden off United’s frontmen.
However, Solskjaer will be without Marcus Rashford for the first few fixtures of the campaign as he recovers from shoulder surgery.
Varane can take a similar weight off the defence’s shoulders.
But what’s really missing for United is extra bodies in midfield.
Bruno Fernandes proved he can’t play every week after he showed signs of tiredness towards the tail-end of 2020/21.
Fred and Scott McTominay have their individual strengths, yet aren’t the world-class pairing United fans are used to.
There’s still time for new arrivals to walk through the Old Trafford doors – but that time is running out rapidly.
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