Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes that his side's tough opening fixtures could prove to be a "blessing in disguise".

New manager David Moyes will have the task of facing Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City in the Premier League champions' first five fixtures of the 2013-14 campaign.

"This will just really focus the guys and when we come back into pre-season we know we have to hit the ground running," the Manchester Evening News quotes Ferdinand as saying. "This could be a blessing in disguise for the new manager and for the squad."

United's opening game of the season is a trip to Swansea City.