Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester United's tough start to their Premier League campaign, when they face Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City in their first five league games, could work to their advantage. "This will just really focus the guys and when we come back into pre-season we know we have to hit the ground running," the defender told the BBC.

"This could be a blessing in disguise for the new manager and for the squad."

Ferdinand added: "We don't think about the reaction if we start badly. We expect the results to go our way and to do well.

"We have a hard run of games but that is part and parcel of being a top footballer, you have to be ready at all times.

"If we finish that run of five or six games at the beginning of the season and we're in good shape, who knows what is possible."