"I can see..." - Ferdinand predicts Man Utd's exact Premier League finishing position

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes the Red Devils will finish third in the Premier League this season.

Erik ten Hag's side currently sit third in the table, three points adrift of Manchester City in second and two points above Newcastle in fourth.

United have been in fantastic form since the World Cup came to an end, winning 10 of their last 12 matches, with their only defeat coming against league leaders Arsenal in an enthralling 3-2 contest.

Having not won a trophy since May 2017, Ten Hag will be eyeing silverware on February 26 when his side take on Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final. Meanwhile, an FA Cup quarter final against West Ham also awaits.

Ferdinand 'confident' of Champions League finish

Ferdinand has been impressed by what he has seen from Ten Hag's side and reckons they will comfortably finish inside the Champions League places.

"I think Man Utd will finish in the top four quite comfortably now," the former England international told William Hill.

"A lot of the other clubs around them aren’t being as consistent as them, while United have been picking up results.

"They’re still a bit off Arsenal and Man City, but I can see United finishing in that third spot in the Premier League this season, tying that up and really making that position their own."

Despite sitting eight points behind Arsenal, having played one extra game - Ferdinand believes they are moving in the right direction.

He is also confident ahead of their Carabao final clash against Newcastle, believing the fixture will raise competition for places within the squad.

"Having qualified for the League [Carabao] Cup final last week, that should give United plenty of confidence going into the coming games, knowing they have that to look forward to," Ferdinand continued.

"Players will now be playing for their position as everyone wants to play in a final, so no player can afford to drop their form or take their foot off the gas.

"Every game is an audition now to get in that starting XI. So I’m sure all of them will be going for their positions and hoping to start in the final, which will raise competition in the team."