LONDON. – Rio Ferdinand has warned Manchester Uniterd manager Louis Van Gaal that he is under massive pressure at Old Trafford because of the money he has spent.

Ferdinand insists Van Gaal must finish in the top two in the coming season and also challenge for silverware after splashing out £230 million during his first 12 months in charge.

Manchester United boss Van Gaal spent £150 million last year, has already forked out £80 million this summer and is determined to bring in even MORE big names before the end of the transfer window on September 1.

And former Red Devils captain Ferdinand turned up the heat even more.

He claimed that Van Gaal still does not know his best defence and has lost some of the club’s identity, and also says Wayne Rooney must score 25 goals this season.

Ferdinand said of the Dutchman who delivered a fourth-place finish in his debut campaign: “Of course he is under pressure.

“At least to improve and finish in second place. Man United need to be finishing, at a minimum, in second place this season, and maybe get their hands on a trophy.

“You have to go out there and show that there has been an improvement on the year before when you spend a lot of money.

“He had to change it to the way he wants it. It’s not like he took over a team that was winning and was confident. He’s come in and taken over a more or less broken squad in terms of confidence.

“There was probably nothing there for him to keep hold of. I think he was right to come in and bring in his own philosophy and ideas.”

Ferdinand, released by United a year ago when his contract expired and now retired from playing, added: “Was it done too drastically? Only the players who are there will be able to tell you that in years to come, when they reflect.

“But this is a massive season in that respect. He’s had last season and a whole pre-season to really drill his ideas and philosophy into these players so there are no excuses now.” – AFP.

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