Mikel Arteta would 100% leave Arsenal to manage Manchester United, says Rio Ferdinand

Football fans are buzzing with the latest remarks from Rio Ferdinand, which have sparked controversy among Arsenal supporters. In a recent interview, the former Manchester United defender suggested that Mikel Arteta, the current Arsenal manager, would jump at the chance to lead the Red Devils if it ever came up.

It’s certainly a bold claim, especially considering Arteta has done a fantastic job in transforming Arsenal into genuine contenders after a period of stagnation and uncertainty. Last season, he led the Gunners to a commendable second-place finish in the Premier League, and they are currently sitting in third place, just two points behind league leaders Liverpool after 26 games.

Despite facing doubts about their title aspirations during a difficult winter spell, Arsenal have rebounded impressively, winning six consecutive matches in the league. Meanwhile, Manchester United’s fortunes have dwindled, with the club languishing in sixth place after a recent defeat to Fulham.

With speculation about Erik ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford, Ferdinand believes that Arteta would be more than happy to take his place, even though Arsenal has been performing well under the Spanish manager. It’s certainly a scenario that would cause quite a stir in the football world, and fans of both clubs will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on any developments.

‘Arteta would leave Arsenal to go to Man United, 100 per cent. He would!

‘Nobody is saying it’s happening but if Man United in a wild dream said, “Do you know what, Erik ten Hag, thank you”, or Erik ten Hag has been poached by Bayern Munich and he goes there…

‘And then Manchester United say, “Right, top of our list is Arteta”, Arteta is going in and saying to the lads, “Listen guys, it’s been emotional but I’ve got to move, I’ve got to go, good luck next season!”‘

Asked whether Ten Hag will keep his job if United fail to finish in the top four, Ferdinand replied: ‘It depends how [he finishes the season]. If he runs it close and they see an upturn in form and an upturn in the environment at the training ground. And if they can see something where it’s like, “Okay we can see what it looks like going into next season maybe, if we add the right pieces to it as well”.

‘Given the structure behind him now it could be [a different story]. A lot of moving parts have to fall into place for him to stay.

‘But if they don’t finish the season well and they’re losing games and it looks like the dressing room ain’t a harmonious place… and one thing I would say is, I don’t think Jim Ratcliffe and his team are shy of making big decisions.’

The ex-England centre-back added: ‘It wouldn’t be a big thing for them if they had to intervene.

‘They wouldn’t be thinking, “Oh I’ve got to work out the media and the PR”.

‘No, no. What’s right for Man United now, they’ll do.’