Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has revealed what the current group of players think of one of the leading candidates to replace Erik ten Hag.
Ten Hag was sacked on Monday morning after a dreadful start to the 2024-25 season, with his last game the 2-1 defeat to West Ham on Sunday.
The United hierarchy now faces the incredibly difficult task of appointing a new manager to replace the Dutchman.
There have been several names linked to the vacant position, and Ferdinand has disclosed how the first-team players feel about one of the leading candidates.
- READ MORE: Bruno Fernandes breaks silence first as Erik ten Hag is sacked as Manchester United manager
How Man Utd players feel about possible Erik ten Hag replacement
Ruud van Nistelrooy is seemingly one of the most likely managers to replace Ten Hag at Old Trafford.
The 48-year-old is already at the club and will take charge of United’s EFL Cup match against Leicester City on Wednesday as the interim boss.
Much like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a few seasons ago, a few positive results would surely help Van Nistelrooy’s case.
And, it appears that he would be a popular appointment within the Man Utd dressing room.
“I think Ruud brings a calming authority, I’ve seen him in the camp,” Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel, Rio Ferdinand Presents. “The players respect and like him, I’ve spoken to a number of players and the players are loving working with him so far.
“But it’s always going to be different when you’re the coach there isn’t that same pressure. Will he change under the pressure and focus of being the manager now or will he be the same Ruud that’s been in the building for the last few weeks?
“He knows the fabric of the place, he knows what the demands and the expectations are at Manchester United, but Erik Ten Hag recruited a large part of this squad and Ruud will have to work with that squad because this is a bunch of players who have underperformed for numerous managers now.”
Rio Ferdinand decides who he wants as next Man Utd manager
The managers linked with the Man Utd manager position include Xavi Hernandez, Ruben Amorim and Thomas Frank, but Ferdinand would prefer to see another name given the chance.
“I wouldn’t mind seeing Ruud get a go [as manager] he’s been there to see what’s been going on. He’s been in the building, he’s seen who are the jokers in the pack, he’s seen who are excuse-makers, the guys who aren’t quite up to it.
“Not just technically but mentally, he knows the mentality required to win at this football club, he’s been there with the best of the guys over the years so I’d like to see Ruud maybe get it.”
With support from the players – and assumedly supporters – hiring Van Nistelrooy might be worth a punt.
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