Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has sparked controversy by insisting that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta would be open to discussing the managerial vacancy at Old Trafford.
Ferdinand's Bombshell Claim on Arteta
Ferdinand made the sensational claim on his YouTube show, Rio Ferdinand Presents, directly contradicting the widespread assumption that Arteta is fully committed to his long-term project at Arsenal. The ex-England centre-back stated he does not believe Arteta would automatically reject an approach from United, suggesting the Spaniard would privately consider the opportunity.
"Nah, I don’t buy it, I do not buy it," Ferdinand said, responding to the idea Arteta would turn down 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]."
United's Managerial Search After Amorim Exit
Ferdinand's comments come as Manchester United hunt for a new manager for the second time in under 18 months. The club dismissed Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim on Monday, 5th January 2026, following reported tensions and a notably downbeat final press conference after the Leeds United match.
Darren Fletcher is set to take temporary charge for the midweek fixture against Burnley, with the club planning to appoint a caretaker until the season's end before securing a permanent successor in the summer. Other names linked with the role include Oliver Glasner and former Barcelona manager Xavi.
Arteta's Arsenal Project vs United Rebuild
The claim places Arteta in a fascinating hypothetical position. At Arsenal, he has overseen a major six-year transformation, re-establishing the Gunners as Premier League title contenders and a force in Europe with stars like Declan Rice and William Saliba. His team currently sits six points clear at the top of the table, poised to end a trophy drought stretching back to 2020.
In stark contrast, the Manchester United job represents a significant rebuilding project, with the team struggling for consistency and sitting three points outside the top four upon Amorim's departure. Arteta has publicly shown no desire to leave North London, where he is a revered figure.
Ferdinand's insight, based on his understanding of the football world, adds a compelling layer of speculation to United's search, suggesting the pull of managing one of the world's biggest clubs could tempt even a manager deeply embedded in a rival's success story.
