Rio Ferdinand insists Arne Slot is NOT the manager of the season so far - as Man United legend names his pick in heated debate with Owen Hargreaves
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Rio Ferdinand clashed with Owen Hargreaves over their Premier League Manager of the Season picks. The former Man United team-mates fought in Enzo Maresca and Arne Slot's corners, and came to blows over which boss is more deserving of the award so far. Liverpool and Chelsea lie first and third in the table respectively, as Slot's men maintain a healthy six-point lead over Arsenal in second, and still have a game in hand.
![[Hargreaves argued that Slot deserves the award because of Liverpool's all-around dominance]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/28/20/93545577-14232507-image-m-93_1735417232265.jpg)
Speaking on his YouTube channel Rio Ferdinand Presents, the six-time Premier League winner argued in favour of Maresca, citing the Blues' impressive turnaround from last season, where they finished a woeful sixth place. He said: 'It's not a big difference. I just think Maresca has come in and took a team from being a circus, a calamity...'.
![[The Dutchman has won 22 of his 26 games as Liverpool boss so far - an 84 per cent win rate]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/28/20/93545701-14232507-image-m-106_1735417583231.jpg)
Hargreaves quickly interrupted Ferdinand to credit the Chelsea manager but provided a direct response, arguing that Liverpool's domestic and European form speaks for itself. Rio Ferdinand is more impressed by Maresca's start to the season compared to Slot's.
![[Only Liverpool (40) have scored more goals than Chelsea (38) in the Premier League this term]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/28/20/93545669-14232507-image-m-108_1735418173335.jpg)
Hargreaves argued that Slot deserves the award because of Liverpool's all-around dominance. 'He's done unbelievable. But I'm saying if you're top of the league, best team in the Champions League, it's Arne. Not even a [question],' he said. 'No, no, no, I think he's great. But I'm saying the level of change within the clubs is very different. [Maresca] has closed that margin more,' Ferdinand replied.
