UNITED NEED TO GET REAL
Mourinho’s side are no longer part of the European elite like Madrid so this season is about learning and adapting
RIO FERDINAND says Manchester United must be realistic about their chances of success in this season’s Champions League.
It is 10 years since 38-yearold Ferdinand was part of the United side that won the Champions League in Moscow in a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Chelsea in the first all-English final.
United return to the Russian capital tonight, against CSKA Moscow, looking to build on their 3-0 win over Basel a fortnight ago which marked their return to the Champions League after a twoyear absence.
Twice in the last three seasons United have failed to qualify, a far cry from a dominant spell which saw them reach three finals in four years between 2008 and 2011.
Entry to this season’s tournament came only by winning the Europa League last term after Jose Mourinho’s side ended up sixth in the Premier League, the club’s secondworst league finish in 25 years.
And Ferdinand, who made 455 appearances for United in a glittering 12-year spell, reckons United must accept they are no longer one of Europe’s elite clubs who can win it.
“I think it’s wise for United to be humble when it comes to the Champions League,” said Ferdinand.
“You can’t look at United or judge them compared to how they were 10 years ago, when we last won the Champions League. They’re different squads and it’s a different animal altogether. They’re on a rebuilding track at the moment and in the midst of that.
“They’ve got to win the Premier League again before they can think of winning the Champions League. You’ve got to try to do that first and consolidate there before you start looking at the Champions League and talking yourself up as one of the contenders.
“Realistically, I don’t see United going as far as the semi-finals this season.”
Although United came through a gruelling Europa League campaign which saw them travel to Holland, Ukraine, Turkey, France, Russia, Belgium and Spain before lifting the trophy in Sweden, Ferdinand claimed the Champions League will be an even bigger test.
And he said the hardest task is to recover for Premier League fixtures after travelling away in Europe.
“It’s the away games that are the hardest in the Champions League, along with the travel,” said Ferdinand.
“Coming back to the Premier League after that week spent travelling is what you’ve got to contend with. This is new territory for this United team and now they’ve got to be able to deal with that.
“Getting a result in Moscow is going to be difficult but I think that’s very possible with the squad they’ve got.
“But more testing still is coming back to the Premier League after that big trip. How do they deal with that? How do they get through that?”
Mourinho, in his second season at United, has followed a similar pattern throughout his managerial career, never completing four full seasons, with three years his usual tenure. But Ferdinand believes Mourinho has found in United a club where he can break that cycle of short-term stints and remain for a number of years to build a legacy.
“I think he’s found somewhere where he feels very comfortable, very at ease, and if it goes well there’s no better place to be,” said Ferdinand.
“He’s managed at some of the biggest clubs in the world, the likes of Real Madrid and Inter Milan. But I think it’s a different pressure you get at places like that.
“Here he’s allowed to live his life much more comfortably. He loves England, he loves the football, the culture, and I can see him staying at United – if successful – for many years.
“Also, where does he go from here?
“It’s been a long time coming on his part, to get to United and I’m sure he doesn’t want to give it up easily.”
With Mourinho at the helm, Ferdinand reckons United have their best chance of returning to the glory days they enjoyed during Sir Alex Ferguson’s trophy-laden years in charge.
“I think United are in their best place now since that last title win back in 2013,” said Ferdinand, who joined the Reds from Leeds in July 2002.
“They’ve set themselves up nicely after last season, winning a couple of trophies. Confidence is back in the squad and Mourinho has made some good signings.
“They made all their decisions early in terms of signing the likes of Romelu Lukaku, and the team were ready to hit the ground running.
“Now they just have to build on that.” *Rio Ferdinand is taking part in the EE Wembley Cup final at Wembley Stadium connected by EE on October 7. To view the latest episode of the Wembley Cup online series and purchase tickets for the live final go to: www.ee.co.uk/wembleycup