Rio Ferdinand explains why Erik ten Hag's Man Utd run must be put in perspective

Manchester United are not on the course they were expected to take before the season started but Rio Ferdinand says it is far too early to write off the campaign.

Erik ten Hag’s side face a crunch clash against Copenhagen on Tuesday evening knowing that another Old Trafford defeat would spell the end of their hopes in the Champions League. But having finally put consecutive league wins together, Ferdinand believes the Dutch head coach will understand the gravity of their situation.

“When the season started there were some positives and optimism around the place. Then the season started and recruitment fell away a bit and you look at the performances and results," Ferdinand said, on behalf of TNT Sports.

“Man United, any story becomes massive news around the place and hysteria follows. That was it for a month or so when the season started. The past couple of games they’ve picked up a few points now which is positive.

“But it’s definitely not the trajectory seen last season. That could change quite quickly given the last couple of results and what’s to come. It was disappointing because I was so positive after last season.”

While United are more than a decade on from Sir Alex Ferguson ’s retirement, expectations have not been lowered significantly. As Ferdinand explained: “You get your hands on a trophy. That’s what you start off a season looking to do at Manchester United no matter what generation.

"We all want to win a trophy. Ideally the biggest ones but they’re not in a position to do that yet.” However Ferdinand continues to back Ten Hag and remains impressed by his no nonsense approach to resetting the culture at the club.

“There was an improvement on the season prior to him coming here. There were massive situations that