Rio Ferdinand: Five big changes Manchester United can make to improve their form

RIO FERDINAND has spelt out five ways Jose Mourinho can turn Manchester United’s form around.

By Rhys Turrell                                 

 
Rio Ferdinand has laid down a blueprint for success at Manchester United

Mourinho’s men have struggled in the Premier League in recent weeks.

Despite beating Manchester City in the EFL Cup and Fenerbahce in the Europa League, Man United haven’t scored in three consecutive top flight matches.

And writing in the Evening Standard, Ferdinand has spelt out how Mourinho can kick-start their season.

The former Old Trafford star wants his pal Michael Carrick back in the XI - after seeing him relegated to benchwarmer role this term.

Michael Carrick should be in Man United's team - Rio Ferdinand

Carrick played alongside Ferdinand at West Ham and United.

And the former centre-back is no doubt about his quality.

“For me, Carrick has to play more,” he wrote.

“He can feed the attacking players quicker and more precisely than anyone else in that squad.”

Man United star Chris Smalling needs to improve, according to Rio Ferdinand

Ferdinand also wants Chris Smalling to step up and become a dominant force in the heart of defence.
The ex-United man tutored Smalling in his early days in Manchester and says it’s now time to deliver.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic ending his goal drought is Ferdinand’s third key point for Mourinho to address.
The Swede is on a run of just one goal in 10 - and missed two sitters against Burnley on Saturday.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has struggled for Manchester United

Ferdinand is backing the veteran striker to call on his experience to get him through his sticky patch.
Getting Henrikh Mkhitaryan involved is Ferdinand’s next top tip.
“I don’t know what’s happened to Mkhitaryan. Does anyone know where he is?” he joked.
“By all accounts he is fit and training well but you don’t see him in a Manchester United shirt.

  
Rio Ferdinand want Henrikh Mkhitaryan in Manchester United's team

“They paid Borussia Dortmund £26m to get him in the summer and for that money, I would actually like to see him play football!”
Ferdinand’s fifth point is a simple one - United must take their chances.
“Manchester United had 37 shots in the 0-0 draw against Burnley last weekend, which was the most they’ve had in a league game since the 2003/04 season,” he wrote.
“They simply must be more clinical.
“Do that on Thursday and this side should get past Fenerbahce in the Europa League easily.”