Ralf Rangnick has warned Erik ten Hag "there is a lot of work" to do when he becomes Manchester United manager this summer.
The Red Devils suffered a 3-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates on Saturday after goals from Nuno Tavares, Bukayo Saka and Granit Xhaka. Cristiano Ronaldo scored United's goal - his 100th in the Premier League - while Bruno Fernandes missed a penalty.
Ten Hag was confirmed as interim manager Rangnick's successor, starting his new role at the end of the season. The Dutchman has won five trophies since becoming Ajax boss in December 2017 and is aiming to lift a sixth - the Eredivisie title - before joining United.
Saturday's result leaves United sixth in the Premier League, six points behind the Gunners in fourth having played a game more. Furthermore, West Ham in seventh and Wolves in eighth can leapfrog Rangnick's side if they win their games in hand.
And United's league position isn't their only concern. Ten Hag will inherit an ageing squad, with David de Gea, Fred, Phil Jones, Harry Maguire, Ronaldo, Tom Heaton, Alex Telles and Nemanja Matic all 29 or older. Raphael Varane turns 29 on Monday.
The new manager will also oversee a significant turnover in players. Paul Pogba, Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard, Edinson Cavani and Lee Grant are all out of contract in the summer - while most critics accept United are in desperate need of some fresh talent.
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Following Saturday's defeat, Rangnick was asked what Ten Hag would be thinking having watched his new team's dismal display. "There is a lot of work for sure," came the reply.
"We knew that before the game. We showed what football we can play. Although we had to deal with the two early goals we still showed the attitude. There is nothing about the attitude of the players we should fault today."
On United's performance, Rangnick added: "I think we showed an improved performance but in the end a disappointing result. I think we bounced back well from the early goal and had numerous chances in both halves to score more goals."
Rangnick hasn't held back his criticism of United's players since Ten Hag's appointment was announced. On Friday, he told reporters the new manager must perform an "open heart operation" rather than fix "minor cosmetic things".
"We need positive energy for the new team and the new manager," said the German. "If he gets that, if the right lessons are being learned, this could be one of the few good things about the season we are going through."
Rangnick went on to say: "The good thing - one of the few - is it's crystal clear. You don't even need glasses to see the problems... now it's only about how you can solve them. Not minor cosmetic things. This is an open heart operation. If everyone realises this has to happen and works together, it doesn't need to take years."
