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Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has revealed that he could see the club hiring either Thomas Frank or Xavi as a replacement for Erik ten Hag.
United confirmed the sacking of Ten Hag on Monday morning, with the last straw being Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at the hands of Julen Lopetegui’s West Ham.
Ten Hag’s assistant coach Ruud van Nistelrooy will step in on an interim basis while the Red Devils search for a more permanent alternative.
A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that the decision to part ways with the Dutch coach was a “collective and unanimous” one.
Ferdinand took to his YouTube channel and reacted to the news.
The former England international indicated that he was not surprised by the sacking. He stated, “One win in eight games for Ten Hag, is not great. I don’t think he or anyone else is surprised by this. My big thing is it’s taken so long and one of the main and best candidates, Thomas Tuchel, was there and he’s gone now.”
“He’s become the England manager and United fans will be looking at that and wondering is that one that got away? Does Ruud come in and become next in line and be their safety net?”
“Was this always the plan, that Ruud van Nistelrooy would be the guy to come in and take over the reins? It seemed like that from the outset. It seemed like he was brought in to be that guy, but they played it down. I think the next press conference is going to be a real good one to see that.”
Ferdinand added, “I think Ruud being asked to take on the interim role. What else can Ruud say? It is a dream-case scenario. This has played out the best way for him. He won’t tell us this, but this has played out the best way possible for him.”
“Comes in denying any desires to be the manager, but he’s thinking if this guy [Ten Hag] doesn’t produce the goods, I’m sitting in the wings waiting. I think he brings a calming authority in the game, the players respect and like him.”
“I spoke with a number of the players, and they love working with him so far. But it is always going to be different. When you’re the coach, there isn’t that same pressure.”
Ferdinand stated that he’d like to see Van Nistelrooy given the job permanently.
“I’d probably give it to Ruud right now. He’s in the hot seat. He’s seen the place, like I say, it’s not going to be a big upheaval in terms of knowing and getting to know the players. He knows them all right now.”
The former United defender noted that he could see the club making a swoop for either Xavi or Thomas Frank, who is currently at Brentford.
Speaking about Xavi in particular, Ferdinand waxed lyrical about the Spaniard, indicating that he could hit the ground running at Old Trafford.
“But Xavi, if we could get someone like him. Playing football the way Barcelona did with that aggressive football. He won the league when he was at Barca, introducing young players into the team.”
“He brought Lamine Yamal. That’s what Man United’s DNA is about as well.”
United return to action on Wednesday when they take on Leicester City in the Carabao Cup.
Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images
