Rio Ferdinand risks angering Erik ten Hag as he laughs about Man Utd winning Carabao Cup

The Carabao Cup victory over Newcastle United at Wembley in February 2023 was the Red Devils' first trophy in almost six years. Although it was deemed to be the start of a major rebuild, subsequent failures in the Premier League and Europe have led to disappointment.

Ten Hag was almost out of Old Trafford at the end of last season after finishing eighth in the Premier League, until a surprising victory over derby rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup turned the tide in his favour. INEOS has backed him with crucial summer signings but the start of the new season has been rather dismal, with the Red Devils losing two out of their first three matches in the league.

Ronaldo, who left United after a public fallout with Ten Hag, believes that his former side has much to do to bring back the glory days and suggested Carabao Cup glory wasn't enough.

"I believe that the future will be bright," Ronaldo started while speaking to Ferdinand on his UR YouTube channel.

"But that doesn't depend only on the talent. It's more than that. It is not only players but the entire club, everything has to be united. They have to rebuild from the bottom. If not, they cannot compete. It will be impossible. Yes, they can win Carabao (Ferdinand laughs),but I mean Champions League or Europa League or Premier League - difficult. I wish that I was wrong. But it will be difficult."

• Skip to 4:15 to see Ferdinand laughing at Ronaldo's Carabao Cup reference

Ten Hag will be eager to prove his doubters wrong by picking up positive results and, ultimately, delivering more silverware. He will be leading the team in the Europa League this campaign but before that United have a game against Southampton in the Premier League.