Rio Ferdinand names his Manchester United XI for must-win game away at Brentford, fans love it

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has named Cristiano Ronaldo in his starting XI for the game against Brentford next week.

New manager Erik ten Hag began his tenure in defeat after Brighton recorded their first ever win at Old Trafford.

A Pascal Gross brace but Graham Potter's side 2-0 up half-time, before an own goal from Alexis Mac Allister reduced the deficit in the second half.

Image: Alamy

But United were well below par in the first game of the season, with plenty of last term's problems existing yet again for the Red Devils despite some pre-season promise.

They looked shaky at the back, could not pass the ball in midfield and didn't pose too much of a threat going forward.

United will aim to bounce back and get their first win of the season against Brentford, who they did the double over last campaign.

But Ferdinand, who won six Premier League titles with United, is advocating a few changes.

Image: Alamy

Despite wanting to leave, he is hoping for Ronaldo to get the nod and lead the line after his substitute appearance against Brighton.

He reckons both Fred and Scott McTominay should be dropped to the bench after poor showings in midfield the last time out.

New signing Lisandro Martinez move into the position, which he has played in before.

Image: Alamy

That would mean Raphael Varane comes into the side, partnering captain Harry Maguire at the heart of the backline.

In front of Martinez, Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen would play as the two number of eights if Ferdinand has his way, with Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho supporting Ronaldo from wide areas.

“I’d start Ronaldo upfront,” Ferdinand said on his Vibe with Five podcast.

“I’d start [Marcus] Rashford on the left, [Jadon] Sancho on the right, or vice-versa.

“I’d play [Christian] Eriksen, Bruno [Fernandes] and I'm gonna play Martinez as the holding midfielder – take Fred out.

“I’m going to play [Diogo] Dalot, [Raphael] Varane, [Harry] Maguire and [Luke] Shaw at left-back. [David] De Gea in goal.”

Image: buildlineup

Ferdinand also caused a stir in the podcast when he said his former cub should have re-signed striker Danny Welbeck after seeing his display on Sunday for Brighton.

Currently 13th in the Premier League, United have a huge clash with Liverpool at Anfield on Monday 22 August following the Brentford fixture.