Ruud van Nistelrooy told to make major Man Utd change immediately by Gary Neville

Gary Neville has suggested that Ruud van Nistelrooy could potentially set up Manchester United with a back three to address their defensive issues. Following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag, former striker Van Nistelrooy has been appointed as interim manager.

Having worked closely with Ten Hag throughout the season, he now faces the challenge of improving the wretched run of form. Currently sitting in 14th place, United have struggled, particularly in defence where Ten Hag failed to find effective combinations.

Matthijs de Ligt hasn't made the expected impact since his move from Bayern Munich and Neville thinks a back three could provide more stability. He also noted that the full-backs, including Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui, are stronger offensively than defensively, suggesting that a back three with wing-backs could be a quick fix for the interim boss.

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Speaking to Sky Sports, Neville said: "He can set the team up differently. That's something that could happen, he could make the make-up of the team slightly different. But he's been on the bench with Erik ten Hag so I'd be amazed if there was something drastic in the next few games. I believe that ultimately there needs to be quite a lot of work done with those players because at this moment in time they are desperately struggling.

"Ruud van Nistelrooy will do his very best. I have thought for a number of months that, looking at the players that United have that they'd maybe be better suited to going three at the back. Just purely because of the lack of a centre-back pairing and the