Softfootball understands that Manchester United continued their strong run of form with another narrow but significant victory, defeating Fulham 3–2 in the Premier League just days after a thrilling 3–2 win over Arsenal.
The back-to-back results have lifted belief around Old Trafford, with some fans beginning to wonder if they can even chase down Manchester City in the Premier League table.
That growing optimism became a talking point in a video posted by Rio Meets Podcast via their official X account, where former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand and pundits Stephen Howson and Joel Beya debated whether City are realistically catchable this season.
Watch the video below:
Howson started the debate arguing that City are not untouchable and that a consistent run over the remaining fixtures could see United close the gap.
He said:
I see City as probably catchable for us at the moment. Might be a bit giddy to think that, but I think that they are catchable. I think we can outpoint them by six over the next 14 games, right?
Ferdinand, however, immediately moved to shut down that optimism. The United legend’s stance was rooted in realism, aiming to temper expectations and prevent supporters from getting carried away after just two good results.
He responded bluntly:
No chance.
As Howson tried to justify his view by pointing to City’s recent vulnerability, Ferdinand doubled down. stressing that United should focus on steady progress rather than comparing themselves to Manchester City.
Ferdinand added:
Listen, mate, we ain’t catching. We ain’t going to be… We shouldn’t be looking at Man City. No, we shouldn’t.
Joel Beya then stepped in, challenging Ferdinand’s cautious outlook. reminding Ferdinand of an earlier-season prediction and suggesting the former defender was now downplaying United’s potential.
Beya said:
Because at the start of the season, I said to you, you were like, yeah, man, United, six. I think you even said eight or something like that. I just thought, Rio, what is going on here?
Finally, Ferdinand expanded on his reasoning with a broader perspective. grounding the debate in history and context, highlighting City’s long-term dominance and United’s recent struggles as reasons why expectations should remain modest.
He concluded:
Manchester City have been the best team in the Premier League for the last eight, nine years. And we are sitting here on the back of our worst season ever in the Premier League and worst period for the last 10 years.
Despite United’s improving performances and renewed confidence among fans, Ferdinand’s message was clear: progress takes time. While the wins over Fulham and Arsenal show promise, closing the gap on a dominant City side remains a much bigger challenge.
For now, the debate reflects a familiar split among supporters, hope versus realism, as Manchester United attempts to rebuild their place among England’s elite.
