Ferdinand tells Man Utd forget title challenges – culture change won’t be quick

Rio Ferdinand reckons it will take years for Manchester United to start competing at the top level again.

The Red Devils finished second in the Premier League last term – albeit a hefty 12 points behind winners Manchester City.

But despite investing heavily in the transfer market last summer, this campaign has seen United slip even further behind their rivals. And with games running out, a top-four finish looks increasingly unlikely.

Ferdinand, who won six league titles at Old Trafford, believes fans will now need to be patient.

"It's not where you want United to be or expect them to be," he said.

"The culture doesn't get sorted over night. I'd write off the next couple of seasons in terms of expecting to challenge.

"Get all the basics right, the fundamentals and foundations so you can have a sustained period of trying to compete.

"The fans aren't stupid, they're not silly, I don't think they'll be surprised by that.

"In any walk of life, to be successful when you're at a low ebb, you have to go through a bit of pain to get to the sunny days where it's brighter. United are no different.

"With Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool it wasn't overnight success. It takes time put the building blocks in place to challenge year after year."

United host Atletico Madrid on Tuesday evening having managed a 1-1 draw in the last 16 first leg.

Ferdinand believes shock success in Europe's elite competition isn't impossible.

"They've got to use someone like Chelsea last season as an inspiration," he added.

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"Once Thomas Tuchel took over that team, nobody expected them to go and win the Champions League, but they went and did it.

"If they give the crowd something to shout about in the opening minutes then it can change everything for them."

Ralph Rangnick is in interim charge at United until the end of this season.

He will then take on a consultancy role for two years while another head coach settles into the Old Trafford hot seat.

Ajax boss Erik ten Hag and PSG chief Mauricio Pochettino have been touted as options.

Ferdinand thinks both men have the skills to shake things up at the Theatre of Dreams.

"I don't know Ten Hag, but he's done a great job at Ajax and would bring players through from the academy and integrate them into the team at United," he said.

"He's also good at getting rough diamonds, polishing them and improving them. You'll also get a brand of attacking football.

"With Pochettino I've been lucky enough to spend some time with him. I was really impressed with the way he sees the game. Look at his record at Tottenham, they got to the Champions League final but then didn't really invest.

"It'll be interesting to see. It's a pivotal moment in their recent history and they've got to get it right. The person who comes in will set the culture going forward."

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