Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand believes his former club must learn to be more ruthless in front of goal following their 1-1 draw against Southampton.

United had 21 shots at St Mary’s, with eight on target, but did not manage to break down a Saints side that went down to ten men after defender Kevin Danso was sent off with 17 minutes to go. Ferdinand believes it is a trend that he has noticed in most of the Red Devils’ matches this season:

“I think the main part is they haven’t been ruthless or clinical enough in front of goal when they have had games and positions to win. Wolves, they got back in the game against [Crystal] Palace, and here again today.”

“They had teams waiting there to be beaten and they didn’t have the ruthlessness, maybe the experience, the nouse, to get over the line.”

United’s forwards have been in form this campaign with Anthony Martial having scored two, Marcus Rashford two and Daniel James having got his third of the season yesterday by scoring the opener.

However, the departures of Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez to Inter Milan leave the Manchester club lacking depth in forward areas, and it will be a concern going forward that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side won’t have enough firepower to kill off teams.