Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes don't think Manchester United 'instil confidence' under Erik ten Hag

Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes believe Manchester United have some way to go before they can start challenging for major silverware.

United begin their return to the Champions League on Wednesday with a trip to Germany to face Bayern Munich.

The Premier League giants go into the match-up with Harry Kane’s Bayern in less-than-ideal condition; Erik ten Hag’s side have lost three of their opening five league matches this season, while the coach won’t be able to call upon regular starters Luke Shaw, Mason Mount and Raphael Varane due to injury.

Speaking ahead of the match, TNT Sports pundits and former United stars Ferdinand and Scholes weren’t confident about United’s chances of landing silverware this season.

“I don’t think any team that Man United put out at the moment have confidence or instils me with confidence,” said Ferdinand.

“I went into the game at the weekend [against Brighton] not expecting us to get three points so I feel very much the same here. And that hurts me to say that, because confidence is very low. And when you come somewhere like here [Allianz Arena] even when you’re in form coming somewhere like here is very difficult.

However, Ferdinand didn’t completely rule out United getting a result in Munich.

“But they’ve got experience in there and have players that can change games [Marcus] Rashford and [Bruno] Fernandes are two. This could be a great opportunity for [Rasmus Hojlund] to hit the ground running and really change the way that things are shaping at the moment.”

For Scholes, United did not sufficiently strengthen in the summer transfer window after results under Ten Hag improved in the second half of last season.

“Well it’s very early in the season. I think they’re on a very similar track to where they were last season, they’ve had a difficult start again this season and I thought after last year they were going somewhere,” the former midfielder said.

“You felt Ten Hag was taking this club somewhere, sorting the discipline out in the team.

“I thought in the summer: is he going to spend £200m to take this club to a different level? I don't think the signings did that. I think they made the squad stronger but I don't think they made it better.

“I don’t think it made it into a club that can challenge for a league title or this tournament tonight. Look It’s going to be difficult tonight.”

Ten Hag ended United’s six-year trophy drought earlier this year with victory against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final.

In this season’s Champions League, United find themselves in Group A alongside Bayern Munich, Galatasaray and FC Kobenhavn.

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