Rio Ferdinand confident Mikel Arteta would leave Arsenal for Manchester United

Premier League giants Arsenal have been a force to reckon with under manager Mikel Arteta as the Spanish tactician guides the Gunners for the title challenge in two straight seasons, registering six wins in a row and currently are just one point adrift reigning champions Manchester City and two points behind league leaders Liverpool.

Arsenal have won all their matches during the entirety of this month, scoring 18 goals and conceding just twice in the process.

Meanwhile, former Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand, in a stunning revelation, has asserted that Arteta would forsake Arsenal for United if the managerial opportunity arises.

Ferdinand’s bold prediction adds fuel to speculations surrounding Erik ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford, which could see a potential shift following the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team.

The British billionaire is aiming for an overhaul in the United dugout this summer, with the staff and players’ rosters about to undergo a revamp in order for the Red Devils to reclaim lost glory.

Speaking on Vibe with FIVE YouTube channel, Ferdinand said:

"Arteta would leave Arsenal to join Man United, 100 percent."

"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."

The 41-year-old manager has already sidelined himself for the soon-to-be vacant managerial post in Barcelona this summer and he has never voiced his willingness for join Manchester United in the past.

Spending three years at Manchester City, Arteta learned his trade as Pep Guardiola’s number two and took charge of the north London club in 2019. He is contracted with Arsenal till the summer of 2025, although it would be a shock under present conditions if he decides to leave after resurging Arsenal among the elites.

As an Arsenal player, Arteta could only secure two wins in 17 outings against United, but, has led the Gunners to five victories and suffered only two defeats, as a manager, against the Old Trafford-based outfit.

Erik ten Hag is under extreme pressure following United’s loss to Fulham last weekend, which has put them eight points behind Aston Villa in fourth, while Arsenal are 14 points ahead in the Premier League race.

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