Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has admitted he is fearful of fierce rivals Liverpool this season, saying that Jurgen Klopp’s side are the only side capable of challenging for Manchester City’s title at present.

Liverpool have done some fantastic business so far this summer, adding Brazilian midfielder Fabinho, Senegalese midfielder Naby Keita, goalkeeper Alisson and winger Xherdan Shaqiri, all of whom are first team players who will add so much quality to the squad.

United on the other hand have added midfielder Fred to their ranks, as well as young right-back Diogo Dalot and back-up goalkeeper Lee Grant.

There’s an awful lot of negativity around the United camp heading into the new season, but Liverpool’s fortunes are the complete opposite – and Ferdinand admits he has a ‘horrendous’ feeling about the Reds.

Speaking as a pundit on BT Sport, Ferdinand said: “There seems to be a lot of negativity around United at the moment, and that doesn’t bode well.”

“In the meantime, Manchester City look stronger than ever and Liverpool have improved again.

“They have brought in a £60million goalkeeper, I think Naby Keita will make a great impact, we know of Xherdan Shaqiri’s quality, and they have added Fabinho to the mix as well.

“I’m a United fan, and I want to see them win the title, but I fear it’s going to be very difficult for that to happen this season.

“I can’t see past City and Liverpool as the top two — and to say that about the two clubs who wouldn’t be top of any United fan’s Christmas card list is horrendous.”

Liverpool are not widely expected to make any further signings this summer, with Nabil Fekir the only realistic option. United are in the market for a centre-back, but with time running out it is looking increasingly unlikely that a deal will be struck.