Erik Ten Hag is the Manchester United fans favourite to become the club’s next manager, although it is unclear which way the club will turn.
Former United defender Rio Ferdinand has weighed in and voiced his support for Ten Hag, but also says he would not be disappointed with Mauricio Pochettino.
Speaking to Five, Ferdinand said: “Ten Hag, the way his team plays, if you could replicate that at Man United, now we are talking.
“His recruitment is unbelievable there, he has a conveyor belt of talent that comes through that feeds the first team. He deals with rough jewels, people like Haller, disregarded in England, Tadic, smashing it.”
Ferdinand did temper some expectation, talking about the different dressing room at United.
“A club of the size of Man United with the egos and personalities in that changing room, its very different going to Ajax in that dressing room to this dressing room. Ajax is a big club but in comparison to United it is very different.”
Pochettino a contender too
Mauricio Pochettino is Ten Hag’s main rival for the United job, and Ferdinand says he is open to the idea of the Argentine being appointed.
Having met Pochettino personally and interviewing him for BT Sport for a feature on Paris Saint-Germain, Ferdinand says he was left impressed and feels United would be too.
Ferdinand said: “I spent a bit of time with him and he really impressed me as a person, him and his staff, men of detail. I would see him thrive and really flourish in an interview.
“I think he would impress the hierarchy and decision makers at Old Trafford if you have him in front of you. He certainly impressed me.
Ferdinand added: “I wouldn’t be disappointed with Pochettino.”
United have been without a manager since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was fired in early November, with Ralf Rangnick stepping in as interim. The end of the season is fast approaching and the time is coming for United to finally make a decision.
- Erik Ten Hag’s managerial record and style of play
- Erik Ten Hag’s five most expensive transfers
- Ajax’s last five managers before Ten Hag and where they are now
- Five Ajax players Ten Hag could sign for Manchester United
- Ten Hag’s comments when Van de Beek left Ajax for Old Trafford
- Six key issues for Manchester United’s next boss
- The three biggest wins of Ten Hag’s managerial career
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