Playing psychic, Rio Ferdinand's Manchester United top four prediction branded 'mad'

Rio Ferdinand has been branded mad by Jermaine Jenas after predicting Manchester United will finish in the top four at the end of the season. This campaign, so far, has been one of disappointment for the Reds. After early exits from the Champions League and Carabao Cup, United sit seventh in the Premier League, six points behind fourth-place Manchester City who have played a game fewer.

While optimism is high regarding Sir Jim Ratcliffe's arrival at United, it would still take a big effort in the second half of the season to finish in the Champions League qualification spots. However, discussing his pick for the Reds to finish fourth this campaign, Ferdinand was full of positivity.

He told TNT Sports: "Who said they would sneak into the top four? I didn’t say they would sneak in. Manchester United will be there. "I don’t think the new ownership will have any bearing on it, I think they will be observers and looking behind the scenes, but I think the injuries to Manchester United, they have had one of the most injury-ravished teams this season.

Come January, a lot of those players will be back and they will have an impact on this team going forward. They are still in touch and back in the top four." However, Jenas was dumbfounded by Ferdinand's call and responded: "Do you honestly believe this? Do you believe what you are saying? I remember you having a meltdown."

Final prediction

The former Tottenham Hotspur man then added: "I think the United shout is a mad one. You have had a meltdown about them all year. That would be unreal." Ferdinand's top four prediction - Manchester City (1st), Liverpool (2nd), Arsenal (3rd), Manchester United (4th). Jenas' top four prediction - Manchester City (1st), Arsenal (2nd), Liverpool (3rd), Aston Villa (4th).