Man City have dominated English football since Pep Guardiola arrived at the Etihad Stadium, winning five league titles in six years and ending the Champions League queue last season.
Ferdinand believes that Man United and Arsenal can compete for the title, but believes that the Premier League trophy will return to the Etihad Stadium in May.
Last season, Arsenal finished just five points clear of the Premier League champions before a setback cost them their first league title since 2004.
After a summer of spending over £200m on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Jurrien Timber, the Gunners can continue in 2023/2024.
Mason Mount, Andre Onana, and Rasmus Hojlund are three other summer signings for Manchester United, and Ferdinand says his first team is “on the right track” with Erik Ten Hag after winning the League Cup and finishing third last year.
Manchester United and Arsenal, are rivals. If someone comes towards them [Man City], it will be them,” Ferdinand told TNT Sports.
“However, I think there is a difference between Manchester United and Manchester City: on the pitch and stale on the pitch.
“But I think Manchester United are going in the right direction, I think you’ll see how they get to the transfer window, it’s very telling and true.”
“They ended up with 3 good players who will improve the team, maybe others will come after that, we will wait and see.
I think Arsenal did the same. They did a good job on this window. Three fantastic players who are not easy to improve in the team, but they are in the starting eleven.
“They are getting close at the moment, but as far as City is concerned, I don’t expect anyone to challenge them for the title.”