Softfootball understands that a recent episode of the Rio Meets podcast, shared via their official X account, has sparked discussion among Manchester United fans after Rio Ferdinand, Stephen Howson, and Joel Beya debated predictions for the club’s season.
The wide-ranging conversation covered United’s top scorer, final league position, player of the season, and whether Bruno Fernandes can reach 20-plus goals and assists, following Manchester United’s recent 1-0 victory against Newcastle United and a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa.
Watch the video below:
The discussion began with Joel Beya asking for predictions on who will finish as Manchester United’s top scorer this season. Introducing the topic, he invited both pundits to share their views.
Rio Ferdinand responded confidently, backing one name outright.
He said:
Mbuemo.
Stephen Howson, however, took a different angle. He explained that Mbuemo’s absence from the team due to AFCON could shift the race, suggesting another striker could overtake him before the season ends.
He stated:
I think Šeško. We’re going to miss Mbuemo for a few weeks, and this time I think Šeško catches him and by end of the season outpaces him.
Ferdinand wasn’t convinced by Howson’s argument and made his disagreement clear.
He added:
All right. I disagree.
Joel Beya then moved the conversation on to United’s expected final league position, asking both Ferdinand and Stephen for their predictions.
Ferdinand gave a realistic assessment of where he believes United will finish.
He responded:
Fifth.
Howson followed up with a more provocative take, stating that United are definitely finishing above Premier League rivals.
He commented:
Above Liverpool.
The discussion then turned to who could be crowned Manchester United’s player of the season. Joel Beya posed the question directly.
Ferdinand immediately backed the club captain.
He predicted:
Bruno.
Howson offered two alternative names, pointing to consistency and defensive impact.
He said carefully:
Mbuemo or De Ligt.
Joel Beya pushed back strongly on Howson’s suggestion, expressing disbelief at what he felt was an exaggerated comparison.
He noted:
You’re stretching this De Ligt thing a little bit too far if you ask me.
Howson defended his opinion, insisting it was based on observation rather than hype.
He argued:
I’m not; I’m just watching.
Beya doubled down on his criticism, arguing that the player being discussed was being overpraised.
He replied:
He’s good, but he’s not. Steve’s going on as if he’s you, your prime. He needs to stop.
The conversation closed with Joel Beya asking whether Bruno Fernandes could finish the season with over 20 combined goals and assists. Ferdinand sought clarification on Bruno’s current numbers.
He questioned:
What’s he on now?
Howson clarified the context, comparing it to last season’s output.
He explained:
Combined, not like last season. What was it? 38 last season.
Ferdinand then questioned whether Bruno’s deeper role could affect his numbers.
He asked:
Holding midfielders’ role? Yeah. from the 6’8?
Howson quickly dismissed that concern.
He said:
Nah.
Ferdinand ended the discussion with optimism, pointing to Bruno’s current tally and backing him to reach the target.
He concluded:
He’s on 12 at the moment, you know. I think he’ll do it. I think he will.
The episode offered fans insight into differing opinions around Manchester United’s season, and judging by the reactions online, the debate is far from settled.
