Ferdinand claims Man Utd have 'no rigidness' after facing 100 shots in 4 matches

Former Man United star Rio Ferdinand has claimed the current side need leaders amid their current struggles, insisting Erik ten Hag's side are too emotional.

The Red Devils face Chelsea on Thursday evening before a crunch clash with rivals Liverpool on Sunday as they bid to close the gap to the Champions League places.

Ten Hag's side head into the match following a dismal performance in a 1-1 draw with Brentford, which saw the Bees rack up 31 shots.

In total, Man United have faced 100 shots on their goal across their last four matches,

Ferdinand, speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet, said he would be calling for increased protection had he been playing as a central defender in the current Man United team.

The former Man United star insisted the team need leaders to keep players in position, suggesting Ten Hag's side are too emotional.

'You need leaders to be talking and pulling people about in games,' Ferdinand said. 'How many times would you [Gary Neville] say to someone 'For the next few minutes, just sit and stay tight, be hard to play against.'

'I think emotion comes into this [Manchester United] team a lot. 'They are quite emotional players; they just go gung-ho at times – there's no rigidness to this team.'

Ferdinand, who won six Premier League titles and the Champions League at Man United, had responded to Jamie Carragher's ongoing concerns about the Red Devils' approach.

The former Liverpool defender said that Man United 'look like two separate teams in one', with the front five leaving a massive space by trying to press.

Ferdinand questioned the lack of protection for Kobbie Mainoo, despite the 18-year-old's impressive performances in his breakthrough season.

He insisted that experienced