Rio Ferdinand says this major problem could prevent United from finishing in the top four this season. “It’s crazy…reckless.”

The game was close, but Manchester United pulled off a thrilling victory in spite of the opposition’s onslaught.

That sums up United’s victory over Luton Town Friday night, but it also applies to most of the team’s games this season.

This season, the wins have rarely felt “safe,” in part because Erik ten Hag put himself into preservation mode as soon as possible, as is covered in more detail here.

Now, Rio Ferdinand has pinpointed the other big problem with this squad and it questions Ten Hag more than the players.

Ferdinand said that last night, United made it “like a basketball match” and they need to “start controlling games”.

He said that a staple of all top teams is the ability to play calmly in the opposition half and take the sting out of their momentum.

However, United feel the need to “create a worldie chance or have a shot or something outlandish” that risks losing possession.

The former United man warned the club that “you can’t continue doing that” and Ten Hag’s side will eventually get punished by a more clinical outfit.

He called United a “reckless team” and said “it’s mad” that United don’t ever try to control games with the ball, instead relying on rearguard defensive action to eke out victories.

It has been a common criticism directed at United and is something which Ten Hag is aware of.

The manager has repeatedly stressed the need to be smart and play with more focus to avoid transition opportunities but United keep getting stuck in the same panic patterns.

Next up is Fulham and then away to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, two teams United should be beating, control or not.

Their fragility will be sternly tested when they visit Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on March 3.