Rio Ferdinand has highlighted the importance of Manchester United recruiting the "right people" this summer following Saturday's 4-0 hammering against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium.
United, who can no longer officially qualify for next season's Champions League, were taken apart by Graham Potter's side, who scored three times in just 11 second-half minutes to put the Reds to the sword. Moises Caicedo had ensured that the Seagulls were 1-0 up at the break, but goals from Marc Cucurella, Pascal Gross and Leandro Trossard in an 11-minute blast took the game away from United in dramatic fashion by the time the clock had struck the hour-mark.
It marked a fifth successive away defeat for Ralf Rangnick's side, once again highlighting just how many big changes need to be made at Old Trafford this forthcoming summer. Erik ten Hag will pick up the baton ahead of next season, but it is crucial to remember that he is not equipped with a magic wand.
READ MORE: Fred Rutten rejects Manchester United job under Erik ten Hag
The size of the task awaiting him is enormous and big changes will be made, not least to the first-team squad. Too many players have let United down this season and they need to be moved on, resulting in fresh bodies being added to the squad.
However, as Ferdinand has reiterated on multiple occasions, United need to recruit the right characters to turn themselves back into a competitive force. That is why the former centre-back believes the job awaiting Ten Hag can only be described as "massive."
"This next window is so crucial because you need to get the right people in," Ferdinand admitted, speaking on Vibe with Five. "I don't think United are going to be able to go out and buy a superstar, and I don't think it is the right thing to do.
"But I keep saying it: you have got to get the right people and the right culture has got to be set. There has got to be a reset of standards on a day-to-day basis. This is a massive job for this guy [Ten Hag]."
Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.
