Rio Ferdinand has no problem with Manchester United playing 4-2-2-2 under Ralf Rangnick, but he admits the formation highlights his 'biggest gripe' with the team.
Having stepped into the breach to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer — initially until the end of this season — the German saw his unbeaten start brought to an end by plucky Wolves last night (Monday).
Joao Moutinho proved to be the match-winner eight minutes from time at Old Trafford.
It might have been different United who had a huge chance to take the lead when substitute Bruno Fernandes rattled the crossbar.
But it was another underwhelming display, as interim manager Rangnick came in for criticism for his trademark 4-2-2-2 formation — although former United defender Ferdinand thinks that is not the primary cause for concern in isolation.
Speaking on his popular Vibe With Five podcast, the former United star has urged the Old Trafford giants to start feeding into Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani's strengths.
Ferdinand said: "It's all going off. I can't even sit here properly.
"Having to sit here and defend this team is killing me.
"My biggest gripe is that if you've got Cavani and Ronaldo in your team — two of probably the best attackers of the ball from wide areas — and you don't play with any real width or any people that are capable of putting the ball in good areas — then it almost feels like a pointless task.
Do you agree with Ferdinand's claim? Have your say in the comments section below.
"You've got to play to their strengths. It's like when we played [Radamel] Falcao years ago. You bring in someone great at attacking balls, but then never cross the ball. How can you expect them to produce the goods?
"Cristiano Ronaldo can do things from other areas, so can Cavani.
"But if two of their big strengths are from when they cross the ball, get the ball in the box. Play with a bit more width, maybe. If he plays this 4-2-2-2, it's about full-backs providing the width then."
We've teamed up with LiveScore to invite fans to vote for their favourite results - the games which were much more than a score. Vote for the match that mattered to you here .
