Former Manchester United centre-back, Rio Ferdinand, has actually insisted that the Red Devils can not win the Champions League this season because 5 teams lead them in the competition. Ferdinand said this as Man United clashes with Atletico Madrid in the Champions League round of 16 first-leg tie on Wednesday night.

Premier League clubs, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Liverpool, are the frontrunners to win the Champions League, while Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are likewise in the mix.

Ferdinand thinks his previous club stands no opportunity of winning the Champions League this term, insisting they are ‘no place near it’ when compared to their competitors.

Asked if Man United can triumph, Ferdinand stated on BT Sport: “No, I don’t, if I’m being sincere.

“They’re no place near it in the league, yes it is a [Champions League] knockout competitors, however I see three or four possibly 5 teams that lead Man United to win this, at least.

“You need a level of consistency to carry out, home and away, to do the job. There have actually been events where we have seen something, however they have taken 2 steps back. You need 11 strokes, 13, 14 gamers in every video game to carry out and Man United have been guilty of not doing that enough.”