Rio Ferdinand has risked the wrath of Arsenal fans by claiming that his old club, Manchester United, is a more desirable destination for managers.
The Gunners are hunting down their first Premier League title in more than two decades, while also still being in the mix for a first-ever Champions League triumph. Meanwhile, a Michael Carrick-led Man Utd are fighting just to return to Europe's elite table.
When it comes to Premier League finishes, you have to go back to the 2020/21 season for the last time the Red Devils finished above Arsenal. That hasn't stopped Ferdinand from claiming his former employers could attract all but three managers ahead of their rivals.
Rio Ferdinand Warns Arsenal Fans Over Mikel Arteta
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta
Speaking on his YouTube channel 'Rio Ferdinand Presents', the retired defender warned Arsenal supporters who are growing tired of Arteta missing out on silverware.
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"I would be careful what you wish for if I was an Arsenal fan if you think getting rid of Arteta is the best thing you guys could do," the 47-year-old said. He then added: "You have to remember where you guys were when he came.
"You guys are consistently qualifying for the Champions League, you weren't before Arteta came. You're finishing second most of the time, fighting for the Premier League year in, year out.
"You've got to get over the line, yes I know, but you think the grass is greener over there with another manager? Who is the other manager?"
Ferdinand Thinks Only Three Managers Pick Arsenal Over United
Rio Ferdinand
Man Utd will be in the market for a permanent manager in the summer as Carrick's interim spell in charge comes to an end. Should Arsenal do the unthinkable and part ways with Arteta, Ferdinand is convinced United would get any manager they want ahead of the London club.
Apart from three men, that is. Initially discussing Paris Saint-Germain's Luis Enrique, Ferdinand claimed: He [Luis Enrique] is not coming to Arsenal. He’s leaving the best team in the world to go to Arsenal – are you crazy?"
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The Englishman was snubbed alongside the likes of Roy Keane and David Beckham.
He then went on to claim that only Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Cesc Fabregas, three men who played for Arsenal, would choose to manage the Gunners. Ferdinand continued:
"Every manager other than Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira or Cesc Fabregas would go to Man United over Arsenal.
"He [Fabregas] doesn’t guarantee you anything, he hasn’t won anything, as talented as he is."
"I’m just saying, it’s not like you go from Arteta and say, ‘We’ve got a certainty’. Pep’s your only certainty and he’s not going to Arsenal," the Premier League icon concluded.