Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has made the explosive claim that current Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta would consider leaving the Emirates to take the managerial reins at Old Trafford.
United's Managerial Search Intensifies
The speculation comes as the powerbrokers at Manchester United find themselves searching for a new manager for the second time in under 18 months. The club dismissed Portuguese head coach Ruben Amorim on Monday, 5th January 2026, following mounting tensions.
Amorim's explosive post-match press conference after a game against Leeds United proved to be his final act. Darren Fletcher will take temporary charge for the midweek fixture against Burnley, with the plan being to appoint a caretaker until the season's end before securing a permanent boss in the summer.
Ferdinand's Bombshell Assertion
While names like Oliver Glasner and Xavi have been linked with the role, the suggestion that the in-form Arteta could be interested seemed far-fetched. However, Rio Ferdinand, speaking on his YouTube channel Rio Ferdinand Presents, insisted the Arsenal manager would not dismiss the opportunity out of hand.
"Nah, I don’t buy it, I do not buy it," Ferdinand stated, rebutting the idea that Arteta would automatically reject United. "He’s never gonna say it, he would never say it out loud. But I’m telling you, Mikel Arteta would sit there [and consider it]."
Arteta's Arsenal Project vs United's Rebuild
The claim is particularly sensational given Arteta's strong position at Arsenal. Having taken charge over six years ago, he has overseen a monumental turnaround, re-establishing the Gunners as a dominant force both domestically and in Europe.
His squad boasts world-class talents like Declan Rice and William Saliba, and Arsenal currently sit six points clear at the top of the Premier League, poised to end a trophy drought stretching back to 2020.
In stark contrast, Manchester United are three points outside the top four and face another significant rebuilding project, being miles away from challenging for the title. Ferdinand noted that Amorim's recent demeanour had signalled trouble, describing his last two press conferences as "depressing" compared to his usual punchy and upbeat style.
The managerial merry-go-round adds another layer of intrigue to a season where Arteta got the better of Amorim on the opening weekend, guiding Arsenal to a victory at Old Trafford.
