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LONDON. — Rio Ferdinand warns that Manchester United face a title drought akin to Liverpool’s should they fail with their next managerial appointment.

It is widely expected that Louis van Gaal will leave Old Trafford at the end of this season with Jose Mourinho ready to take the reins.

The former Chelsea boss has even told friends that it’s a “done deal” and Ferdinand is anxious that any new man hauls the club back to heights scaled by Sir Alex Ferguson.

“I think if they bring someone else in, it is a huge decision because if this doesn’t go right, it could be a long cycle,” Ferdinand said.

“We don’t want to be a repeat of what Liverpool have gone through. Manchester United don’t want that long time in the wilderness of not really winning or being successful and not challenging for titles.

“That can’t afford to happen at Man United. The problem they’ve got now is who they choose.”

Liverpool have not lifted the top-flight trophy for 26 years and have only won one piece of silverware in the last decade – the 2012 League Cup.

Ferdinand is wary that a poor next fit chosen by executive vice chairman Ed Woodward could leave United way behind their domestic and European rivals.

As it stands, Van Gaal faces an uphill battle to climb up to a Champions League qualification spot with a third of the season remaining.

Missing out on the top four would have significant financial complications for United, who have backed Van Gaal to the hilt during his two years in charge.

It would also hinder the ability of any new boss to bring in elite talent from across the continent.

But Ferdinand is unsure who is the right man to give the job to. — Mailonline.