Ferdinand's damning assessment of Manchester United's defeat to Juventus

Man United were beaten 1-0 by Juventus at home [Courtesy]

Rio Ferdinand insisted Manchester United's defeat to Juventus was "men against boys" in a damning assessment of his former club.

United were beaten in the Champions League at Old Trafford as Cristiano Ronaldo made his return to his former club.

Paulo Dybala scored the only goal of the game but Juve had chances to extend their lead while Wojciech Szczesny was a relative spectator.

Paulo Dybala scored the only goal of the game [Courtesy]

The defeat showed United quite how far they are away from Europe's elite as the Italian champions ran out comfortable winners.

And after the clash, former skipper Ferdinand was critical of United's display.

"If you were having to describe this game short and sharp it's men against boys," he told BT Sport.

Ferdinand thinks Mourinho got it all wrong [Courtesy]

"Juventus were superior throughout in every department, from their shape, the way they applied themselves, the intensity and quality on the ball, the calmness in possession, game management. They were deserved winners."

Ferdinand also questioned Jose Mourinho's approach with United seemingly sitting off their opponents.

He added: "Every single Juventus player will come off the pitch and say 'wow I was under no pressure today'.

"The team at home were playing like the away team, Juventus were pressing them rather than the other way around.

"If I went out on a home game and I was told to sit back and retreat I'd be shocked, I'd be thinking 'really? This is Manchester United.'

Former Man United man now pundit Rio Ferdinand [Courtesy]

"If that's the tactics they've been told before they left the dressing room then I'd be shocked."

Fellow pundit Paul Scholes added: "They were a class above, technically, tactically, they were just a step above Manchester United

"The sad thing is there seems to be an acceptance to it, not just from the players but from the fans also.

"There doesn't seem to be an improvement in performances into Mourinho's third year."