Rio Ferdinand has said that Manchester United will be on top form next year. Even though United have shown alarming signs of frailties at times this season, they still remain the only unbeaten side in the country and have yet to hit top gear. At the same time, other teams in the division have shown they are capable of upsetting the biggest clubs, ensuring this is one of the most competitive title races in years.

And Rio Ferdinand says the experience of previous years, when the team have come from further behind to claim glory by the middle of May, is proof the Premier League crown may yet be heading back to Old Trafford.

He said: “There are more teams that are better equipped to play against the top two teams, whether it was us and Arsenal a few years ago, or it’s been us and Chelsea more recently. "