Arteta to Man United? Rio Ferdinand with Bizarre Theory on Why It Could Happen

• Rio Ferdinand recently linked Mikel Arteta to the Man United job
• Arteta has transformed Arsenal into title contenders in recent seasons
• Ferdinand claims the Spaniard could ditch the Gunners for United

Rio Ferdinand has come up with one of the strangest football theories yet, claiming that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta could make a sensational switch to Manchester United.

Arteta has established himself as one of the top tacticians in the business today, four years since taking charge of the North London club.

He is currently battling for his first league title with the Gunners, who sit just two points behind Liverpool after 26 games.

Meanwhile, Manchester United are having another poor season as they fight to secure a Champions League position at the end of the season.

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Erik ten Hag’s position came under scrutiny once again after his side succumbed to a surprising 2-1 defeat to Fulham, and Ferdinand now believes the door at Old Trafford could be open for someone like Arteta.

While speaking on his Vibe with FIVE podcast on Monday, Ferdinand said:

“Arteta would leave Arsenal to join Man United, 100 per cent.”

“No one is saying it’s happening but if Man United in a wild dream said, ‘do you know what, Erik ten Hag, thank you’ or Erik ten Hag has been poached by Bayern Munich, and he goes there, and then Man United say top of the list is Arteta, Arteta is going in and saying to the lads, ‘listen guys, it’s been emotional but I’ve got to move, I’ve got to go.'”

Erik ten Hag’s future at Man United

Ten Hag is currently contracted at Old Trafford until June 2025.

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But the Dutchman could be shown an early exit before his deal runs out if he fails to turn the club’s fortunes around.

With the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team, it is largely expected that United could make wholesome changes to the club in a bid to return it to its glory days. This might also entail a managerial change, according to former United defender Gary Neville, who spoke on Sky Sports on Monday.

"I suspect Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Dave Brailsford already know whether Erik ten Hag will be the manager next season," he said.

"I can't believe they're going to wait until May to make that decision, and then leave themselves short."

United's best chance at silverware this season is in the FA Cup, where they face Nottingham Forest in the fifth round on Wednesday, November 28.

Bruno Fernandes confronts referee

Sports Brief also reported on a curious incident involving Bruno Fernandes during United’s latest defeat.

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Fernandes appeared to engage in a heated conversation with the referee at full-time after Alex Iwobi scored a dramatic late winner for The Cottages.

It is unclear what United’s captain was complaining about, but it is highly likely he was protesting some decisions which went against his side.