He believes that United lack dynamism in the final third of the pitch

Ferdinand said their approach has become slow paced and 'methodical'

The former England captain, 36, said he no longer enjoys watching United

Rio Ferdinand has admitted he no longer enjoys watching Manchester United play and that they lack 'explosive fantasy' to excite supporters or win the Premier League.

The former Old Trafford defender was scathing in his assessment of manager Louis van Gaal's vaunted philosophy, unleashing several criticisms about the current state of affairs, epitomised by having to play Daley Blind at centre back.

As well as labelling the Dutch international a 'weak spot', the six-time Premier League winner feels his old club are nowhere near regaining the title, or the attacking brand of football that Sir Alex Ferguson instilled.

Despite significant summer investment, Manchester United have been unconvincing in the league

According to Rio Ferdinand, United boss Louis van Gaal's philosophy is stifling attacking play

Former United defender Ferdinand, speaking at the launch of BT Sport's Champions League coverage

And it is the boring style of play introduced by Van Gaal that brought out most of Ferdinand's ire as he launched a passionate lament for the way things have changed since he left in 2014.

'Everything. In terms of players, the personnel are completely different and the way they play. You associate Man United with pace and power, explosive fantasy in the final third, but that's not the way it is now,' the he said, speaking at the launch of BT Sport's Champions League coverage in London.

'Man United fans [are] having to re-educate themselves on how you go in there and what you're going to see. You're not going to see what you saw for the last 25 years.

'It will be a completely different type of football, not football I enjoy watching as much and probably most Man United fans are like that. It's methodical and really slow going side to side whereas before it was "bang, go".

'He (Van Gaal) has got a clear idea of how he wants the team to play. It's very methodical, getting the ball through the team not very quickly, keeping the ball from side to side and waiting for an opening and the time to come for a glaring opportunity to go forward.'

Ferdinand won six Premier League titles while playing for United under Sir Alex Ferguson (left)

Swansea forward Andre Ayew (left) scores during the 2-1 victory over United at the Liberty Stadium

Wayne Rooney's Premier League season so far is summed up by a blocked shot against Newcastle

It is an approach which has so far failed to ignite their domestic campaign and with just three goals scored (three less than bottom club Sunderland) in four games, Ferdinand feels it will cause them problems.

'The only thing that is similar is if they do win the ball high up, it seems like he wants them to go for the jugular straight away.