Rio Ferdinand has been reacting to Manchester United's decision to part company with head coach Ruben Amorim earlier today
Ryan Taylor
16:54, 05 Jan 2026
Mikel Arteta
View 2 Images
Rio Ferdinand thinks Mikel Arteta would be tempted by the Manchester United job(Image: PA)
Rio Ferdinand has once again speculated that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta would jump at the chance to join Manchester United.
The retired Red Devils defender, who first claimed Arteta would leave the Gunners for United at the drop of a hat back in February 2024, is quietly confident his former employers could turn the Spaniard's head following the sacking of Ruben Amorim.
Arteta's current contract with Arsenal is due to run until the summer of 2027 and it goes without saying that he's not currently in the running or the conversation for the United job.
The six-time Premier League winner has boldly claimed on his YouTube channel 'Rio Ferdinand Presents' that Pep Guardiola is the only top-flight boss that wouldn't consider the Old Trafford opening.
READ MORE: Arsenal get Premier League title boost as Man City injury prompts transfer decision
OPINION
Author avatarTom Canton
"Unai Emery would be someone who would absolutely jump at the chance," Ferdinand said.
"Pep Guardiola’s the only manager in the league who I think would sit there and go, 'I’m content where I am, I am happy where I am and I don’t need it'."
Someone then put to Ferdinand that Arteta would reject United, to which he responded: "Nah, I don’t buy it, I do not buy it.
"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]."
Speaking back in January 2024, Arteta hit out at reports claiming he was interested in the Barcelona job, stating: "Totally fake news. I don’t know where it is coming from.
"It is totally untrue. I am really upset about it. I could not believe it. No source, nothing. You have to be cautious when you talk about personal things."
Rio Ferdinand looks on
View 2 Images
Rio Ferdinand has spoken about Man Utd's sacking of Ruben Amorim(Image: PA)
Ferdinand has also highlighted former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, England manager Thomas Tuchel and ex-Barcelona head coach Xavi as three candidates he would like to see replace Amorim.
The Portuguese left Old Trafford on Monday morning following his sensational rant in the aftermath of United's 1-1 draw at Elland Road.
Oliver Glasner, whose Crystal Palace contract expires at the end of the season, is currently the bookies' favourite for the hot-seat. Caretaker boss Darren Fletcher closely follows in second place.
Article continues below
Enzo Maresca, who was sacked by Chelsea last week, is third though it remains to be seen whether he would be prepared to launch himself straight back into management.
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is also out of contract at the Vitality Stadium at the end of the campaign.
Welcome to 'Seeing Red' - our new Arsenal podcast
We've launched a new Arsenal podcast 'Seeing Red' with chief football writer John Cross and Arsenal reporter Tom Canton.
Each week, they will dive deep into the biggest topics as they follow Mikel Arteta's side every step of the way - and will also discuss nostalgic flashbacks before each fixture.
It's a great time to be an Arsenal fan, with the Gunners flying high under Arteta as they look to win silverware this season.
The North Londoners are going strong in the Premier League and Champions League - and they're also in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
We'll provide insight and reaction - and have fun along the way - as Arsenal target the biggest trophies this season.
No stone will be left unturned. VAR controversy? Poor performances? Unsung hero who deserves praise? Fixture chaos? We'll have it all covered.
Click here to view our YouTube channel
Click here to download our podcasts