Rio Ferdinand 'frightened' by Manchester United top-four chase and historic change

Rio Ferdinand insists the top four is out of reach for Manchester United after another disappointing result against Leicester.

Having returned from the international break, United began the weekend four points behind Arsenal in the race for the final Champions League place, and knowing they couldn’t afford another slip-up. They did just that though as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford following another dismal showing.

It could have been much worse as well, with the visitors threatening to take all three points and all-but end the Reds’ chances of finishing fourth. As it is, they still cling on to some hope, but they face a tall order.

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They sit three points behind the Gunners, who have two games in hand, and still have to face Mikel Arteta’s side at the Emirates Stadium, as well as the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea. Former defender Ferdinand believes the writing is already on the wall for Ralf Rangnick’s side.

“You look at the league table, Arsenal will be sitting there rubbing their hands. Tottenham will be looking and thinking they should finish above Man United now,” Ferdinand told his FIVE YouTube channel.

“That’s the thing that’s frightened me. When I looked at the fixtures today, I thought ‘wow, we’ve got some hard games.’ It’s not like our run-in’s good to us, it’s a tough run-in.

“They’re all teams playing for something. Top four for me now is gone, done and dusted.”

Ferdinand added: “We’re not the force we once were, and we’ve got to accept that. I keep hearing people say ‘we’re Man United’. Well, the badge hasn’t changed, but everything else has.

“It’s not the same Man United from 10 or so years