Rio Ferdinand has sensationally claimed Mikel Arteta would ‘100 per cent’ leave Arsenal to join Manchester United if he was offered the manager job at Old Trafford.
The former United centre-back has been vocal on Erik ten Hag‘s future at the club, admitting that it’s likely the Dutchman will be replaced as head coach in the summer.
The Dutchman’s contract as United manager runs until summer 2025 and the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team could spark change in the dugout.
Defeat against Fulham at the weekend puts the Red Devils eight-points adrift of Aston Villa in fourth and 14-points behind Arsenal who are challenging for the Premier League title.
Arteta learned his trade amongst the ranks of Pep Guardiola‘s backroom team at Manchester City before taking up a first managerial appointment at the Emirates in 2019.
Speaking on his FIVE Youtube channel, Ferdinand claimed: ‘Arteta would leave Arsenal to join Man United, 100 per cent.
‘No one 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 Man United say top of the 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,’ he added.
Arteta has never previously demonstrated any intentions of becoming Manchester United manager.
His existing contract at the London giants runs until next year and Arteta has already dismissed being linked with the upcoming vacancy at Barcelona.
The 41-year-old previously played for Arsenal as a player but celebrated only two victories in 17 clashes against United.
However, as a manager he has led the Gunners to five wins and suffered just two defeats against Ferdinand’s former club.