Rio Ferdinand agrees with Ralf Rangnick's assessment of Erik ten Hag "distraction"

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Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has agreed with the assertion from interim manager Ralf Rangnick that uncertainty over the next permanent manager at Old Trafford shouldn't be used as an excuse.

United were beaten 1-0 by struggling Everton on Saturday, with the return of Cristiano Ronaldo failing to return Rangnick's side to winning ways. The Red Devils have won just one of their last five games in the league, and after the game there were questions about whether the delays over appointing a new full-time boss might be affecting matters on the pitch.

Erik ten Hag is expected to get the job, with Ajax banning English media from their manager's press conferences as talk gets louder. Rangnick had earlier said he remains prepared to brief his permanent successor, but he and Ferdinand were singing from a similar hymn sheet as far as distractions were concerned.

"I don't think this should be an excuse," Rangnick said on BT Sport when quizzed on the managerial situation. "We're Manchester United, we have a lot of international players, this cannot be an alibi or distraction.

"There will be a new manager next season, whether it is announced now, in 14 days, 20 days, this should have no effect on a game like today." And, while Ferdinand was also reluctant to offer excuses, he did at least acknowledge an environment of uncertainty is rarely conducive