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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
John McDougall

Rio Ferdinand explains why Manchester United have enjoyed a better season than Arsenal

Rio Ferdinand is in no doubt that Manchester United have had a better season than Arsenal, despite finishing behind the Gunners in the Premier League table.

United could finish third in the top flight in Erik ten Hag's first campaign at the helm of the Old Trafford club. They know that victory over Fulham will guarantee a finish above Newcastle United, regardless of what the Magpies do against Chelsea on the final day of the season.

Arsenal, meanwhile, will be runners-up this campaign after being dislodged at the top of the table where they spent much of season. Manchester City overtook Arsenal in the closing weeks of the campaign in a relentless run of form, while the Gunners stuttered in the closing stages.

READ MORE: Rashford has already told Ten Hag his best United position for FA Cup final

United have claimed silverware this season, unlike Arsenal. They have won the Carabao Cup thanks to victory over Newcastle at Wembley and could make it two successes at the national stadium when they take on City in the FA Cup final.

Though United will finish below the Gunners in the top-flight table, former United captain Ferdinand believes his old side have had a better campaign than Arsenal. With both teams having secured Champions League qualification, Ferdinand believes United winning a trophy tips the argument in their favour.

Speaking on his FIVE YouTube channel, Ferdinand said: "Have Man United had a better season than Arsenal? If you were just laying it down and saying if you're a player, do you want to finish fourth and win a trophy, whatever trophy that is, or third and win a trophy and qualify for the Champions League, or second, no trophy but be involved in the title race?

"I'm only taking the trophy and whatever position I finish, to finish in the Champions League, that's it. That's a more successful season.

"You can look at it that Arsenal and Arteta have made huge strides, so you have to tip your hat to them and say 'well done'. They've done remarkably well to close the gap on Man City the way they did.

"But that's a different conversation, we can go back to that next time."

Get your hands on our 48-page souvenir United v City FA Cup Final print supplement by clicking here.

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