Rio Ferdinand has suggested three things that Manchester United need to improveCredit: Alamy

The former defender has urged Sir Jim Ratcliffe to work on the issuesCredit: Alamy

From the last five games, Erik ten Hag’s side have only picked up five points and have lost ground on the likes of Newcastle and Chelsea.

To make matters worse Manchester United have lost their last two matches to Crystal Palace and Arsenal without scoring a goal.

Ferdinand, 45, has now urged the club’s new ownership to confront their problems ahead of next season.

This includes improving the training levels as well as the atmosphere in both the changing rooms and training ground.

He told his Five podcast: “That’s one of the things I think the club has got 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?

“Because there’s a lot to be said for that.

“If it ain’t right around the training ground, invariably it ain’t gonna be right on the pitch.”

Man United still have three tricky fixtures remaining this season as they aim to end the campaign on a positive.

This includes the clash against Newcastle on Wednesday at Old Trafford before a final-day trip to Brighton.

United then have the FA Cup final against cross-city rivals Manchester City on May 25.

Ten Hag’s job relies on the next couple of weeks with his position at the club under increasing threat.

The Dutchman had a positive first season at Old Trafford, in which he achieved a top-four finish and a League Cup triumph.

However, a poor finish in the Premier League and defeat in the FA Cup final could see him get the axe.

England manager Gareth Southgate has been heavily tipped as a replacement.

However, outgoing Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel and out-of-work Zinedine Zidane have also been touted as options.