Tuchel believes Harry Maguire is still his fifth-choice centre-back as he named Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, John Stones and Trevoh Chalobah ahead of the 33-year-old earlier this week.
Maguire was man-of-the-match during Friday’s 1-1 draw with Uruguay at Wembley as he aims to break into the final squad for this summer’s World Cup.
It was his first appearance under Tuchel, and he played the second half as captain in a performance that could prove to the German coach that he is ready for this summer’s competition.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand believes Maguire may take Tuchel’s comments with a pinch of salt, potentially push him to play at his best much like he did against Uruguay.
"Maguire is one who can see out a game and can win a game on set-pieces.
"I think Maguire will take that as an insult in some respect - ‘Hold on a minute, I’m more than this’. In Tuchel’s eyes, he uses the word mobility. Other guys have more. I get what he’s saying. No-one has to agree with it.”
Maguire has started every Premier League game under United interim boss Michael Carrick and Tuchel will keep an eye on the defender for the final 7 games as they chase down Champions League football.