Rio Ferdinand tells Sir Jim Ratcliffe three things to sort at Man Utd after Arsenal defeat

Rio Ferdinand, a six-time Premier League champion and legend of Manchester United, gave Sir Jim Ratcliffe advice on where to look for improvements after his team’s defeat at the hands of Arsenal.

Rio Ferdinand has given direct instructions for how to Man United can improve following a disappointing defeat to Arsenal (Image: Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been given advice on how to make Manchester United better, and it comes from a knowledgeable source.

During his illustrious tenure at Old Trafford, Rio Ferdinand won six Premier League titles, one Champions League trophy, and two League Cups. Therefore, it makes sense that the former England defender would be an expert at identifying winning qualities within the team.

And following his former team’s 1-0 loss to league leaders Arsenal at home on Sunday, Ferdinand made a passionate case for reform. And with that came a number of recommendations for Ratcliffe, the new minority owner, and his group to be aware of.

“I think the club has to look at what’s going on behind the scenes: the training, the way the players are around the place [and] what’s the atmosphere like in the changing rooms and [around] the training ground?” the 45-year-old stated in an interview with his podcast, Vibe with FIVE, on the most recent episode.

“Because there are many merits to that. It will almost certainly not be right on the field if it isn’t around the training area.

“I think the club has to look at what’s going on behind the scenes: the training, the way the players are around the place [and] what’s the atmosphere like in the changing rooms and [around] the training ground?” the 45-year-old stated in an interview with his podcast, Vibe with FIVE, on the most recent episode.

“Because there are many merits to that. It will almost certainly not be right on the field if it isn’t around the training area.

The magnitude of the task that awaits Ratcliffe this summer was made abundantly clear by United’s first home loss since February, if it wasn’t already apparent. Less than a week had passed since Erik ten Hag’s team was humiliated 4-0 at Crystal Palace; as a result, Arsenal dropped to eighth place in the standings.

Although Ten Hag, 54, had a promising debut season as United’s manager, he has seen a significant decline in performance this season. Worse, on Sunday, there was a downpour inside Old Trafford due to significant rainfall in Manchester, highlighting the extent of United’s infrastructure problems.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos deputy Sir Dave Brailsford (L) have a major rebuild on their hands this summer (Image: Robin Jones/Getty Images.)

Throughout his career, Ferdinand was frequently praised for his leadership abilities, so it’s likely that he’s grown used to recognizing the telltale signs of a well-run team. It’s also a sobering fact that the absence of those same calling cards might make it easier to pinpoint the areas in which United’s current roster is falling short in terms of off-field preparation.