Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has praised the job Jose Mourinho has done in his first season at the club.

The Portuguese manager led the team back into the Champions League via the route of winning the Europa League, and United also won the League Cup last season.

Although the club only finished sixth in the Premier League, Ferdinand believes the other two triumphs should allow Mourinho some “respite” from the criticism that would otherwise follow such a low league finish.

More importantly, Ferdinand says Mourinho has made the team better to watch.

“I definitely think there’s been an improvement in the way the team’s played. The idea of going to Old Trafford isn’t boring like it was for the last couple of years,” the club legend said.

“I didn’t enjoy watching Manchester United the last couple of years. This season has been better, so you hope that will continue.”