Rio Ferdinand: Man Utd must win Premier League before thinking of Champions League

RIO FERDINAND has urged for caution on Manchester United’s hopes in this year’s Champions League.

Stewart Robson: Man Utd don't have weaknesses

United are back in Champions League action tomorrow night (7.45pm) when they take on CSKA Moscow.

They got their European campaign off to a flying start two weeks ago with a 3-0 win over Basel with Marouane Fellaini, Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Ashford getting on the scoresheet.

And their Champions League exploits have yet to hamper their league form this season, winning five of their opening six games to sit top of the table alongside Manchester City.

Three points in Russia would go a long way to booking United a place in the knockout rounds of Europe’s elite club competition.

They’ve got to win the Premier League again for a start

Rio Ferdinand

But United legend Ferdinand doesn’t believe his former club can go all the way to lift the Champions League trophy.

“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.

Manchester United return to Champions League action tomorrow night against CSKA MoscowGETTY

Manchester United return to Champions League action tomorrow night against CSKA Moscow

Rio FerdinandGETTY

Rio Ferdinand doesn't believe Manchester United can win 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 achieve things — they’ve got to win the Premier League again for a start.

“They’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.”

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