“He Would Consider It” — Rio Ferdinand Makes Shock Claim About Mikel Arteta and Man United Job

Rio Ferdinand has made a striking claim about Mikel Arteta’s future, suggesting the Arsenal manager would at least pause to think if Manchester United came calling, even with the Spaniard enjoying success and stability in north London.

Manchester United are once again searching for a new manager after Ruben Amorim was dismissed on Monday, less than 18 months into his time at Old Trafford. The Portuguese coach paid the price for growing tensions behind the scenes, with his emotional post-match press conference following Sunday’s draw at Leeds United proving to be his final appearance as head coach.

In the short term, Darren Fletcher has been asked to step in. He will take charge of United’s midweek Premier League fixture against Burnley, while the club’s leadership prepares to appoint a caretaker manager until the end of the season. A permanent appointment is expected to be targeted in the summer as United attempt to stabilise yet another rebuild.

As always, speculation around potential successors has moved quickly. Names such as Oliver Glasner and Xavi have already been mentioned as possible candidates, even though no clear favourite has emerged. Arteta, who is deeply associated with Arsenal both as a former player and current manager, has not been linked in any formal sense.

However, speaking on the latest episode of Rio Ferdinand Presents, the former United defender challenged the idea that Arteta would instantly reject the opportunity to manage at Old Trafford.

“Nah, I don’t buy it, I do not buy it,” Ferdinand said when the suggestion was put to him. “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.”

It was a bold statement, particularly given Arteta’s position at Arsenal. The 42-year-old has been in charge at the Emirates for more than six years and has overseen a major transformation of the club. While his last trophy came in 2020, when Arsenal won the FA Cup, the Spaniard has rebuilt the side into consistent title contenders and re-established them as a serious force in Europe.

Arsenal’s squad now includes some of the most highly regarded players in the game, with Declan Rice and William Saliba central to a team that currently sits six points clear at the top of the Premier League table. With silverware appearing closer than at any point in recent seasons, there has been little suggestion that Arteta is looking for a way out.

By contrast, United are facing a far more uncertain future. Amorim departs with the team sitting three points outside the top four, but performances have been inconsistent and confidence around the club has been fragile. The gap between United and the league’s leading sides remains significant, meaning the next manager will inherit a long-term project rather than a ready-made title challenge.

Arteta and Amorim crossed paths earlier this season, with Arsenal travelling to Old Trafford on the opening weekend of the campaign. The Gunners came away with all three points, although United were competitive on the day. That match now serves as a reminder of how different the two clubs’ trajectories have been since.

Ferdinand also offered insight into why Amorim ultimately failed to survive. On his YouTube channel, the former defender reflected on the manager’s recent media appearances, suggesting they hinted at deeper issues.

“I saw his last two press conferences and I was thinking, ‘Something isn’t right here,’” Ferdinand explained. “One of his best traits has been how punchy and upbeat he can be. The last two he did looked depressing.”

Amorim’s outspoken nature, which had previously been viewed as a strength, appeared to work against him as results dipped and tensions increased. His final weeks were marked by frustration, both on and off the pitch, as United struggled to find consistency.

For Ferdinand, the situation at United highlights why even a settled manager like Arteta might be tempted to at least listen. Managing Manchester United remains one of the biggest jobs in world football, regardless of the club’s current struggles.

Arteta has shown no public desire to leave Arsenal, and there is no suggestion that United have made any approach. But Ferdinand’s comments underline a broader truth about elite management: opportunities at clubs of United’s stature are rarely ignored outright, even by those who appear firmly embedded elsewhere.

For now, Arsenal fans can take comfort in Arteta’s focus on finishing the job he has started. United, meanwhile, must once again reset, hoping their next decision brings clarity rather than further upheaval.