Manchester United's legend, Rio Ferdinand, has indicated that he will start panicking if his former side loses their next two fixtures against Real Betis and Southampton.
Erik Ten Hag's side were given a dramatic wake-up call after they were beaten 7-0 on archrival Liverpool's home turf, Anfield, on Sunday.
The former FC Ajax boss has just led the Red Devils to securing their first trophy in six years after they beat Newcastle United last week to lift the Carabao Cup at Wembley Stadium. The media was already tipping them to embark on a quadruple hunt and to add more silverware at the end of the season.
These thoughts are now nervy given the manner in which they were beaten by Jurgen Klopp's men. The defeat has left them five points behind domestic rival Manchester City and 14 points behind league leaders Arsenal; they have one game in hand.
Meanwhile, Rio Ferdinand has stated that he will start panicking if his former side fails to get results from their next two games. The Red Devils will play against Real Betis in the Europa League on Thursday night before facing relegation-threatened Southampton in the Premier League.
Discussing the Liverpool defeat, Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel: “To sit here and start picking players out for one performance, we have been sitting here for many months now saying this team is on the upward curve in contrast to what it has been."
“They have had one performance, and we are going to put them on the floor. I don’t think it is right."
“When we played, if you lost, you were thinking about Wednesday or Tuesday and saying, "We do not lose that game," and that was the chat.
“I am only going to start panicking if we get beaten on Thursday [against Real Betis] or at Southampton at the weekend."
“That will tell me where this team is mentally."
Rio Ferdinand's comments were backed by those of another Manchester United teammate and former Manchester United player, Patrice Evra.
“They are having an amazing season, so it is harsh to condemn them just because of that game,” the former left-back said.
"Yes, in that game they didn’t show up.”
Ten Hag was visibly furious during his post-match interview on Sunday, labeling his players "unprofessional."
The fans will be hoping that their darling team will bounce back when they lineup against Real Betis in the UEFA Europa League round of 16 tie on Thursday night. The players have sent messages to the fans apologizing and promising to make amendments in their next game.
However, there's anticipation that Erik Ten Hag will make some changes to his starting lineup on Thursday night. The defense is where all eyes will be. Tyler Malacia, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof; if he returns from his minor injury, are expected to return to the stating lineup.
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