Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has claimed that Mikel Arteta, the current Arsenal manager, would eagerly swap the Emirates dugout for the hallowed halls of Old Trafford.
Ferdinand’s comments come as United’s fortunes continue to plummet under the stewardship of Erik ten Hag, who finds himself under mounting pressure.
The Red Devils’ season has been nothing short of tumultuous with an early exit from the Champions League and poor results in the Premier League.
Ten Hag’s tenure at United has been plagued by setbacks. Key players like Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, and Luke Shaw have suffered injuries, leaving the squad depleted.
Erik has also been criticised for his in-game management with pundits wondering why he always leaves the midfield open to transitions.
Off the pitch, issues involving players like Brazil winger Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Mason Greenwood, coupled with ownership uncertainties at the start of the season created a perfect storm.
On the other hand, Mikel Arteta has transformed Arsenal’s fortunes, guiding them to a second-placed finish last season and keeping them in the title race this year.
Ferdinand believes that if United were to part ways with Ten Hag, Arteta would leap at the chance to manage the Red Devils. Speaking to VIBE with FIVE, Ferdinand asserted, “Arteta would leave Arsenal to go to Man United, 100 per cent. He would!”
“Imagine United saying, ‘Erik ten Hag, thank you,’ or if Bayern Munich poached him, and then United turns to Arteta. He’d address the lads, ‘It’s been emotional, but I’ve got to move. Good luck next season,” he added.
Ten Hag’s fate hangs in the balance, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group, known for bold decisions, may not hesitate to act if results continue to spiral.
