The Red Devils have been showing signs of progress this season under their new manager Erik ten Hag and they currently find themselves third in the table and only three points behind second-placed Manchester City.

Manchester United have won three of their last five games in the top flight and are bidding to seal a top-four finish to guarantee their place in Europe’s elite club competition for next season.

The Red Devils are also bidding to win their first piece of silverware under Ten Hag, with United set to take on Newcastle United in the League Cup final at Wembley on Sunday 26 February.

Ex-Manchester United defender Ferdinand feels that Ten Hag’s side are well-placed to finish third in the league this season following their promising signs of progress under their new boss.

Speaking to William Hill, Ferdinand said: “I think Manchester United will finish in the top four quite comfortably now.

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

Rio Ferdinand (Photo: BT Sport)

“They’re still a bit off Arsenal and Manchester 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.

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

“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.”

Manchester United have the opportunity to move level on points with second-placed Manchester City on Wednesday night when they take on Leeds United at Old Trafford.

Recent history certainly doesn’t make good reading for the Whites, who have only won one of their last 17 Premier League meetings with the Red Devils.

Erik ten Hag (Photo: Mark Cosgrove / News Images / depositphotos.com)

The Red Devils will take on Leeds United once again in the league this weekend – at Elland Road on Sunday – and Ten Hag is aware of the threat posed by the Whites, who have just parted ways with manager Jesse Marsch.

“We have to go from game to game,” said Ten Hag. “It is a big week for us, as twice we face a rival team and we have to be ready for that.

“It gives a different emotion, always when you play against rivals, so we have to be [on the] front foot and be ready for the game. We have to be well prepared but also giving off good energy and look forward to facing them.”

Asked about the impact of Marsch leaving Elland Road, Ten Hag replied: “It will always have an impact. But also it has to be about us and how he deal with that. Are we proactive? Are we anticipating?

“If we do that, we have a good chance to win the game. It will be close and we will have to give everything. Nothing is easy in football, especially games between rivals are not easy, they are never close games. You have to be [at] your best.”

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The Gunners raised some eyebrows when they completed a something of a surprise swoop to bring the Italy international in from their London rivals on transfer deadline day last week.

Jorginho made his debut for the north London side in Arsenal’s clash at Everton on Saturday but was unable to prevent the Gunners from slipping to a disappointing 1-0 loss at Goodison Park.

The 31-year-old was brought on as a substitute for Thomas Partey during the defeat, with Jorginho offering the Gunners a wealth of experience at the top level.

Former Newcastle United and England star Shearer reckons that Jorginho will bring some added experience to the Arsenal squad in the second half of the season as they look to win the Premier League title for the first time since 2004.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Shearer said: “Arsenal are a very, very good team with a really bright and intelligent manager in Mikel Arteta.

“I really do like the Jorginho signing. He will bring a wealth of experience and that know-how to win and to get over the line.

Jorginho (Photo: @jorginhofrello / Instagram)

“They are still going to be big questions and big times to navigate over the coming months. So who better to get in January than a guy like Jorginho who has been there and done it at every level?”

Arsenal are currently five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table with a game in hand as they eye their first top-flight title since their unbeaten triumph back in 2003-04.

And Manchester City have been in the headlines for the wrong reasons this week after they were charged with than 100 breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules following a four-year investigation.

Ex-Arsenal defender Martin Keown (Photo: BT Sport)

However, former Arsenal defender Martin Keown fears that the news of the charges will only serve as motivation for the Manchester City players in the second half of the season.

“I’m pretty certain this will only galvanise the City players,” Keown told talkSPORT. “This can be used as fuel to get back to the top of the Premier League table.

“There’s a feeling that the world is against them now, the ramifications are huge. These players will want to hit back, they’ll use this as energy.

“They’ll have the best lawyers in the world against this and they’ll want to get the truth out.”

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The Athletic is claiming that both of the Premier League clubs continue to hold a strong interest in signing the 19-year-old ahead of next season as they look to bring the England international back to the Premier League.

The same story says that although Real Madrid still consider Bellingham to be a “priority signing” for them, they are aware that they may not be able to compete with the financial strength of the Premier League clubs.

According to the article, Real Madrid have been working hard on a possible deal to sign Bellingham “for months” but the Spanish club are facing competition from two of England’s top clubs.

Real Madrid will continue to push to land Bellingham this summer, but they are aware that any package they are able to offer is likely to fall short of what will be available in England, the story says.

Bellingham is widely considered to be one of English football’s most exciting prospects, and he has been a regular fixture in the Dortmund team this season, scoring 10 goals and making five assists in 24 games in all competitions.

The teenager also scored one goal and made one assist in five games for England at last year’s World Cup in Qatar.

Liverpool FC have been struggling to find consistent form this season and the Reds are currently 10th in the Premier League table and 11 points adrift of the top four.

The Merseyside outfit have lost three of their last four Premier League games and now face a serious uphill battle to get back into the Champions League qualification spots before the end of the season.

And former Aston Villa man Gabriel Agbonlahor feels that Liverpool FC – who lost 3-0 to Wolves on Saturday – will not be able to attract the likes of Bellingham if they fail to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

“I think the problem, Paul, is that you have been linked with Bellingham,” Agbonlahor told a caller on talkSPORT over the weekend.

“Liverpool fans want Bellingham in, but he is not even going to look twice at coming to Liverpool. He is going to choose Manchester City, Real Madrid, all these other teams if you are not playing in the big competitions.”

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Arsenal suffered a frustrating 1-0 defeat by Sean Dyche’s Everton side at Goodison Park on Saturday lunchtime, before Manchester City slumped to a 1-0 loss away to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

The results mean that Arsenal remain five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table with a game in hand over Pep Guardiola’s men.

The defeats for the Gunners and City also allowed both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur to close the gap on the top two. United now sit third in the table and eight points behind Arsenal, although they have played one game more than the north Londoners.

Spurs are currently fifth and a point behind fourth-placed Newcastle United having played a game more than the Magpies.

However, former Liverpool FC defender Carragher still thinks that it will be a two-horse race between the top two sides and he is backing Arsenal to take advantage of Manchester City’s stuttering form.

Speaking on Sky Sports on Sunday, Carragher said: “There’s still a long way to go but you’re almost waiting for Manchester City to kick in and to be the Man City we know so well.

Mikel Arteta (Photo: Mark Cosgrove / News Images / depositphotos.com)

“It just feels like this might be the season where they’re not quite themselves, for lots of different reasons. It’s not the Man City of old.

“This idea that they’re going to do what they’ve done to Liverpool a couple of times in the title race, I’m not sure it will happen. It feels like a different Manchester City that we’re watching right now.”

He added: “There’s so long to go. Neither team should panic. There will be a lot of ups and downs. But I do think Arsenal have the edge, because they’ve been the most impressive team so far. We’re still waiting to see the real Man City but it’s not quite happening for them.

Pep Guardiola (Photo: Oleh Dubyna / depositphotos.com)

“The two games between those teams are massive but I fancy Arsenal right now.”

Meanwhile, former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has praised the Red Devils for their recent form – but says that Erik ten Hag’s side are not in the title race.

The Red Devils were 2-1 winners over Crystal Palace on Saturday and have won three of their last five top-flight outings under their Dutch manager.

Neville feels that the Red Devils should be praised for their upturn in form in recent weeks but does not believe they’ll have what it takes to challenge for the title.

Speaking on his Sky Sports podcast, Neville said of United: “Are we in with a chance again? Look, I don’t think Manchester United will get there, I think they will fall short.

“They’re just not quite there and the Christian Eriksen injury will hurt, but they’re doing really, really well and they’re competing again. They look happy too and that’s a really big thing. You need that. From that point of view United are doing well.

“It’s not ridiculous to say they could win the title. I don’t think they will and I’ve never thought they will this season because it’s a bit early for that but I would be getting worried if I was Manchester City.

Former Manchester United star Gary Neville (Photo: Sky Sports)

“The fans will start getting worried now with the way they’re playing and the way Pep Guardiola is tinkering with the team. United look a happy bunch, City look a bit moody and need to come out of that spell.

“Man City could easily still win the league but Man United are in a good position too.”

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Manchester City start the weekend in second place in the table and five points behind leaders Arsenal after having played one game more than the Gunners.

The Citizens have won three of their last five games in the Premier League and with their showdown with Arsenal at The Emirates later in the month looming large, they will be keen to get a positive result in north London this weekend.

Recent history doesn’t make good reading for Pep Guardiola’s men though – the Citizens have lost all four of their games at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in all competitions without scoring.

Manchester City are also bidding to win three successive league games for the first time this season, while Spurs have lost three of their last five outings in the top flight.

Former Manchester United star feels that Manchester City are starting to show some signs of weakness and he is tipping Spurs to earn a point in Sunday’s clash.

Patrice Evra (Photo: China Images / Imagine China Limited / depositphotos.com)

Writing in his column for Betfair, Evra said: “I still don’t understand Manchester City this season. [Joao] Cancelo leaving? Something is wrong there.

“We don’t know what’s happening with this club, the relationship with the players and the manager, people won’t say it out loud but I think something is breaking because they let Zinchenko go to Arsenal too.

“I know players say they’re not playing and they want more time, but when you play with a big team Like Manchester City and you know you’re playing to win four trophies a season, you know you’re not going to play every game.

“The perfect example is Chicharito at United. [Sir Alex] Ferguson would say to him that he’s not going to play for two games but in the third he would play and win the game for us, and because of that they had a great relationship.

“So, those players saying they want to leave because of game time, I’m sorry, I don’t believe that. There’s something wrong happening with the manager.

“The worst part is City are letting their players leave easily. I understand that when a player isn’t happy they should leave, because you should never hold a player against his will, but we’re talking about quality players here that will go to another team and add real quality, United would never do that.

“Spurs will give them a hard time in this one. City don’t have a great record at that stadium so I can see this one being a draw.”

Meanwhile, former Arsenal star Paul Merson feels that the pressure is truly on Manchester City heading into this game – but he is tipping Guardiola’s side to claim a narrow 2-1 victory nonetheless.

Writing in his own column for Sportskeeda, Merson said: “The pressure’s going to be on Manchester City this week.

Pep Guardiola (Photo: Oleh Dubyna / depositphotos.com)

“They’ll probably be eight points behind Arsenal when they play this game, and they can’t afford anything less than a win here. If they don’t beat Tottenham, I don’t see how they can make up the difference.”

Merson added: “Something has definitely happened with Joao Cancelo. I know he’s come out and denied it, but something’s gone on. He was one of the best players in the Premier League last season, and now he’s on loan at Bayern Munich – I don’t see how that deal happens.

“Man City are playing on a lot of fronts, and an injury could end their season. Cancelo has played in the Champions League and he’s been a big player for City. I’m shocked, and I don’t believe that nothing’s happened.

“Manchester City have a nice fixture list in the Premier League after this game, and this is a big match. Tottenham will sit back and make it hard for them, but City should be able to win this game.”

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The Red Devils lost 3-2 to Arsenal in their most recent top-flight clash after having been held to a 1-1 draw by Crystal Palace before that.

However, Erik ten Hag’s side have been in good form in the cup competitions in recent days. They booked their spot in the League Cup final with a 5-0 aggregate victory over Nottingham Forest and sealed their spot in the FA Cup fifth round with a 3-1 win over Reading.

They will now look to beat a Crystal Palace side who are without a win in their last four outings in the Premier League.

Manchester United start the weekend in fourth place in the Premier League table and level on points with third-placed Newcastle United – and former Red Devils star Evra is backing his old side to claim the three points against the Eagles.

Writing in his column for Betfair, Evra said: “This is a massive opportunity for United, they’ve won their last 12 at home, something that hasn’t happened since [Sir Alex] Ferguson’s time, so, let’s make it 13 and hurt Crystal Palace because they hurt us scoring that goal in the last second, they killed our dream to win the title.

“I expect Marcus Rashford to start and for sure I expect Bruno Fernandes to fill the empty space that Erickson will leave. Casemiro will be Casemiro again.

“My prediction is a United win, I don’t see United stopping right now. We’re going to add more fresh blood with the new players and I hope the new signing (Marcel Sabitzer) gets 15 minutes of game time or maybe a start.”

Patrice Evra (Photo: China Images / Imagine China Limited / depositphotos.com)

Meanwhile, former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson is also expecting to see Ten Hag’s side claim the three points on Saturday to boost their top-four bid.

The Red Devils will be without midfielder Christian Eriksen for the foreseeable future due to an ankle injury – and although Merson feels that the Dane will be a big miss for the Red Devils, he’s backing Manchester United to snatch a 2-1 win over Palace.

“Crystal Palace are a hard team to break down, and they’re going to set up to play counter-attacking football,” Merson wrote in his column for Sportskeeda. “Manchester United have had problems with breaking teams down in the past, and they changed when Christian Eriksen came in.

“When Eriksen starts for Man United, they control games. Eriksen is a player that you need to beat a team like Palace, and his absence will make a massive difference. They have brought Marcel Sabitzer in on loan from Bayern Munich, but is he what they really wanted? He wasn’t on the radar in the first place, and it looks like a panic buy.

Arsenal legend Paul Merson (Photo: Sky Sports)

“I couldn’t think of a better game to judge how much Eriksen could be missed. If you’re bringing reinforcements in from Bayern, you’re surely thinking of playing him. Man United aren’t playing one of the big boys, and they should be able to dominate this game.

“I think Manchester United are going to win this game, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they dropped points against Palace.”

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This will be the first league game since Sean Dyche was appointed as Frank Lampard’s successor at the Merseyside club as the Toffees look to become just the fourth team to take any points off Arsenal this season.

Everton have struggled in recent weeks and start the weekend in 19th place in the table, having lost four of their last five outings in the top flight.

Despite their poor recent form, Everton have a good recent record at home against the Gunners and are looking to make it three consecutive home league wins against the north Londoners for the first time in more than 45 years.

Arsenal start the weekend top of the Premier League table and five points clear of second-placed Manchester City with a game in hand, with Pep Guardiola’s men set to face Tottenham on Sunday.

Former Manchester United defender Evra reckons that the Gunners are likely to drop points against an Everton side who will be buoyed by the appointment of their new manager.

Writing in his column for Betfair, Evra said: “This is a tough game to kick off for Sean Dyche, but I love him.

Mikel Arteta (Photo: Mark Cosgrove / News Images / depositphotos.com)

“When you see his expression when you look at him, you know, you’re going to work hard, you’re going to bleed for the club and for the shirt. He has a philosophy of football and he’s going to get the best out of each player.

“But what a tough game. I think with Arsenal now, every time they have a little blip, even a draw, we’re going to say ‘woaahh, City are going to win the title’.

“People say Arsenal can’t even afford to draw but actually, in reality they can afford to draw, but with all the pressure, people still won’t believe Arsenal are going to win the title. People are just waiting for them to slip but I don’t see it coming.

“That being said, when you have a new manager and you take a new club all the players feel like they need to impress, they’re going to show they deserve to play. So, every time something happens. I can see this being a draw.”

Arsenal have only won two games in their last 10 Premier League visits to Goodison Park – but former Chelsea FC star Chris Sutton reckons that Mikel Arteta’s men will have enough to claim the three points and extend their lead at the top back to eight points.

Ex-Chelsea FC striker Chris Sutton (Photo: BT Sport)

“Arsenal rested a few players in their FA Cup tie against Manchester City and paid the price,” Sutton told BBC Sport. “They still played pretty well at Etihad Stadium, though, and I think they have had a really good window.

“Everton, in contrast, did not sign anyone and it looks like their new manager Sean Dyche has got a huge job on his hands to keep them up.

“We know the Goodison Park crowd will get behind the team and, the way that Dyche manages, he will be trying to extract every last ounce of effort out of his players.

“The endeavour will be there but I still don’t see Everton getting a win or even managing a draw.”

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The Gunners are currently five points clear of second-placed Manchester City with a game in hand at the halfway point of the campaign as Mikel Arteta looks to steer his side to Premier League glory.

Arsenal were busy in the January transfer window and recruited Leandro Trossard, Jakub Kiwior and Jorginho to bolster their squad for the second half of the campaign.

The north London side have been in excellent form this term and have only dropped points on three occasions to help them establish their impressive lead at the top of the table.

And former Manchester United defender Ferdinand feels that the Gunners have what it takes to go all the way this season.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand said of the title race: “I think it’s a wrap. I’ve got to be honest, I do.

“No matter what results Arsenal get against Man City, I still think Arsenal have enough confidence, quality and calmness to take the title.”

Rio Ferdinand (Photo: BT Sport)

Arsenal are back in Premier League action on Saturday lunchtime when they travel to take on Everton in what will be the Toffees’ first league game since having appointed Sean Dyche as their new manager.

Manchester City, meanwhile, travel to face Tottenham Hotspur in north London on Sunday afternoon. Arsenal and Manchester City will face off in their first league meeting of the season at The Emirates on Wednesday 15 February.

Meanwhile, some eyebrows were raised at Arsenal’s move to sign Italy international Jorginho from Chelsea FC on a one-and-a-half year contract, with the option for a further year, this week.

However, the 31-year-old brings with him a wealth of experience, and former Liverpool FC midfielder Danny Murphy reckons that the move will end up paying dividends for the Gunners as they continue to chase the title in the second half of the season.

“It’s a really clever piece of business that,” Murphy told talkSPORT when asked about Arsenal’s move for Jorginho.

Mikel Arteta (Photo: Marco Iacobucci / depositphotos.com)

“[Thomas] Partey is struggling a bit, he doesn’t tend to play a full season. He came off at half-time in the City game. You need some cover.

“I think he is somebody who you know will cope with any high pressure group he’s put into, whether it’s off the bench or starting. If they’re still in the race with 10 games to go – which they should be – and Partey’s injured then Jorginho comes in the team and you know what you’re going to get.

“He doesn’t quite have Partey’s physicality but knitting the game together, talking to people around him, knowing the position.

“Anyone doubting him that move, I don’t see where the scepticism comes from to be honest with you. For the price – what is it? £12m? – It’s a great piece of business that.”

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The Blues have been heavily linked with a move to sign the 22-year-old from Benfica in recent days and widespread reports on Monday suggested that the south west London club had tabled a €120m (£105.6m) bid for the Argentina international.

Should the transfer go through at that price, it would become the British transfer record signing after Manchester City paid £100m to Aston Villa for Jack Grealish back in 2021.

It remains to be seen whether Chelsea FC will be able to get a deal over the line for the defensive midfielder before Tuesday’s transfer deadline – but former Manchester United defender Ferdinand reckons that Fernandez would be an excellent signing for the south west London club.

Speaking on Vibe With Five, Ferdinand said of Fernandez: “Bad player, wicked player. He’s got it. He’s a good player. I’d be surprised if he comes in and isn’t a success.

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand (Photo: BT Sport)

“He’s a top player. He was the best young player at the tournament in the World Cup I thought. He was integral for them. His passing, his composure for a young player was top, and he won’t be fazed if he handled the World Cup the way he did.

“He played at Benfica a big club in that country and the demands at the club, he’s used to pressure. The money is irrelevant if you look at it and think he could be here for five or six years. Chelsea are on a mad one.”

Meanwhile, Arsenal are reported to be closing in on the deadline-day signing of midfielder Jorginho from Chelsea FC.

Jorginho (Photo: @jorginhofrello / Instagram)

The Athletic is claiming that the north London club are targeting the Italy international after having so far failed in their attempts to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton and Hove Albion.

The story, written by David Ornstein, suggests that Arsenal are now keen on recruiting Jorginho, whose contract at Chelsea FC is due to expire in the summer.

Arsenal’s cause could be helped by Chelsea FC’s proposed move to sign Fernandez from Benfica as it would push Jorginho further down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, the article says.

Jorginho, 31, has scored two goals in 18 Premier League appearances for Chelsea FC so far this season.

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The Italian reporter took to his personal Twitter account to deliver updates on Chelsea FC’s interest in the 22-year-old on Sunday as the Blues aim to bring the midfielder to Stamford Bridge this month.

According to Romano, Chelsea FC want to sign Fernandez “at all costs” and are willing to shell out €120m (£105m) to bring him to the south west London club before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.

Posting on social media on Sunday evening, Romano wrote: “Chelsea are back in direct talks with Benfica for Enzo Fernandez. They want the player at all costs — Chelsea would be prepared to pay €120m fee.

“Benfica president Rui Costa has still no intention to accept — but Chelsea will insist to get the deal done now.”

The Italian journalist then followed up that Tweet by claiming that the Blues have scheduled a fresh round of negotiations with Benfica about a possible deal to bring Fernandez to the London club.

Romano also claims that the player himself would be open to a move to Stamford Bridge before the deadline.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano (Photo: Fabrizio Romano / YouTube)

Romano posted early on Monday morning: “Chelsea have scheduled new round of talks for Enzo Fernández on Monday. Full focus on getting it done, player side won’t be an issue.

“Todd Boehly, Behdad Eghbali and the board are on it — Chelsea will reach €120m, depends on Rui Costa.”

Fernandez was a key part of the Argentina squad who won the World Cup back in December, with the defensive midfielder having scored one goal and made one assist in seven appearances in Qatar.

He’s been a regular fixture for Benfica this season too, having netted one goal and made five assists in 17 league games for the Portuguese club.

Chelsea FC have been busy in the January transfer window so far and should Fernandez arrive at Stamford Bridge, he would become the eighth new arrival this month after Mykhailo Mudryk, Benoit Badiashile, David Datro Fofana, Andrey Santos, Joao Felix, Noni Madueke and Malo Gusto all joined the Blues.

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a fee to sign Chelsea Under-21s striker Jude Soonsup-Bell to their academy set-up, according to reports.

(Photo: Adobe Stock)

The Evening Standard is claiming that the 19-year-old is set to leave Chelsea FC to join Spurs, with the north London club set to offer him a long-term pathway to the first team through loans from next season.

Soonsup-Bell, who the newspaper claim is “highly regarded” at Chelsea FC, was also the subject of a similar offer from Manchester City but he is now expected to join Spurs.

Chelsea FC are back in Premier League action on Friday night when they host London rivals Fulham at Stamford Bridge.

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