Man Utd Legend Sparks Fiery Debate by Comparing Ruben Amorim to Arsenal's Mikel Arteta
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand suggests Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta would contemplate taking over from the recently dismissed Ruben Amorim, though the Spanish coach would "never admit it publicly."
The Red Devils announced Amorim's exit just 24 hours after the 40-year-old delivered a surprising outburst at Elland Road, criticizing Man Utd's recruitment team and sporting director Jason Wilcox, while also objecting to being called 'head coach' rather than 'manager.'
Ex-Man Utd player and current U-18 coach Darren Fletcher will take charge temporarily while the 20-time English title winners search for Amorim's replacement. Xavi, Oliver Glasner and recently available Enzo Maresca are among the contenders for the vacant role, though Ferdinand suggested additional candidates, including Arteta.
"Unai Emery would be someone who would definitely seize the opportunity," Ferdinand stated on his Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel.
"Pep Guardiola's the only coach in the division who I believe would remain and say, 'I'm satisfied where I am, I'm comfortable where I am and I don't require it.'
"He's never going to admit it, he would never voice it publicly. But I'm certain, Mikel Arteta would pause [and think about it]."
Arteta, who assumed control of Arsenal in Dec. 2019 and penned a three-year contract extension in 2024, presently has the Gunners leading the standings with a six-point advantage over second-placed Manchester City. The 43-year-old harbors ambitions of eventually guiding his former team to its first Premier League championship since the north London side's unbeaten campaign in 2003–2004.
Ferdinand Spotted 'Right Away' Something Was Wrong With Amorim
Ferdinand also shared his perspective on when the relationship started deteriorating between Amorim and Man Utd, describing a conversation he had with the now ex-manager that lacked the "warmth" or "openness" that had previously characterized their interactions.
"When I visited there recently, I detected right away that there was a distance about [Amorim], and there was a clear change from what I'd witnessed previously," Ferdinand revealed.
"Looking back now, I believe issues were beginning to simmer before Christmas. This isn't simply a sudden development regarding his communication with the leadership and how he's been feeling about matters.
"This distance I observed in the final two press conferences, I noticed it in him. The atmosphere at the training facility among the players seemed positive, but he appeared somewhat detached."
Amorim departs Man Utd in sixth position, tied with Chelsea on 31 points. The Red Devils lost ground in three of their previous four fixtures, enduring a 2–1 loss to Aston Villa and managing only 1–1 stalemates with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leeds United.
Coming up for the club is a journey to Turf Moor on Wednesday to face Burnley with Fletcher in charge.
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