Rio Ferdinand reveals his biggest Premier League surprise and manager of 2023

Rio Ferdinand has given his thoughts on the Premier League’s biggest surprise and best manager for 2023, with the Manchester United icon praising Gary O’Neil and Jurgen Klopp

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has heaped praise on Wolves boss Gary O’Neil, hailing his “brilliant” work so far this season.

O’Neil took over at Molineux less than a week before their first game of the season after former manager Julen Lopetegui parted ways by mutual consent due to “differences of opinion on certain issues”.

As a result, many pundits were tipping Wolves for relegation but they are set to end the year 13 points clear of the bottom three, having won their last three league games against Chelsea, Brentford and Everton.

And Ferdinand has been hugely impressed by O’Neil’s impact at Molineux, claiming it has been the biggest surprise of 2023. “I would say Gary O’Neil at Wolves,” Ferdinand told TNT Sports.

“They sacked their manager and I had Wolves to go down based on last season’s form. The way he has come in and galvanised the club with Shaun Derry and everything behind the scenes, it’s been great with what they have done and they’re playing some really good football.

“A few decisions have gone against them and they could have more points on the board and they are doing really well.” And while Ferdinand praised O’Neil as one of the standout coaches, he ultimately named Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp as his manager of the year.