Rio Ferdinand believes Louis van Gaal still leave behind a positive legacy at Manchester United.

While the Dutchman has been vastly criticised for the way his United side has played over his two seasons in charge, former defender Ferdinand feels there can be an ongoing upturn in the squad despite the team's apparent shortcomings.

The likes of Marcus Rashford, Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson have all been given first-team opportunities this season after impressing with the academy and Ferdinand suggests this can be van Gaal's lasting affect if the axe happens to fall this summer.

"This season has been a bit doom and gloom for Manchester United with the way they have played but Louis van Gaal's legacy if he is going to have one when he leaves is the introduction of all these young boys, with Rashford leading the charge," the former centre-half told talkSPORT.

"It has been great for football and it will be nice for managers around the country to take heed of that.

"Bringing in young players as he has and getting to the FA Cup final - albeit they are not doing too well in the league - that is a good part of his time and story at Manchester United."