Rio Ferdinand: Manchester United face a title drought as bad as Liverpool's

Rio Ferdinand has warned Manchester United they risk a Liverpool-like title drought if they keep changing their manager. The retired defender has urged his former club to carefully consider all their options before replacing current boss Louis van Gaal.

The 64-year-old Dutchman has come under pressure in recent weeks, with widespread speculation suggesting he will be replaced by Jose Mourinho. "I think if they bring someone else in, it is a huge decision because if this doesn't go right, it could be a long cycle," he admitted, according to The Independent.

"We don't want to be a repeat of what Liverpool have gone through. Manchester United don't want that long time in the wilderness of not really winning or being successful and not challenging for titles.

"That can't afford to happen at Man United. The problem they've got now is who they choose," said Ferdinand, who left United in 2014.

The London-born star thinks the Old Trafford club have reached something of a crossroads. Ferdinand insisted United must make a clear decision about the type of manager they want to take the club forward.

"Are they going to go for someone who has had success, who knows how to manage teams like Jose Mourinho, or will they go with someone who is already in the house like Ryan Giggs?" the ex-United defender explained. "That's the problem they have got and the questions that have to be asked. If I knew the answer to that question, I would be the CEO."

Ferdinand's comments comes amid claims that Mourinho is "convinced" he will become the club's next manager in the event United decide to sack Van Gaal in the summer. A source close to the situation told the Daily Telegraph: "Mourinho's going to Manchester United. It's a done deal. Chelsea is the only big job up for grabs."