Rio Ferdinand has made a poignant prediction over a significant change that he expects at Manchester United next season under Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Manchester United’s lacklustre Premier League campaign came to an end on Sunday after the Red Devils sealed a 2-0 win over Brighton away from home.
Goals from Diogo Dalot and Rasmus Hojlund in the second half ensured that United picked up all three points and won their second consecutive Premier League match.
Erik ten Hag’s second season at Old Trafford has led to the Dutchman being placed in the firing line of criticism over United’s disappointing campaign.
United finished eighth in the Premier League table – level on points with seventh-place Newcastle – and three points behind sixth-place Chelsea.
Despite the Red Devils’ turbulent campaign, United boss Erik ten Hag could still end the season on a high note with a victory in the FA Cup final on 25th May.
United will face Manchester City at Wembley on Saturday, having fallen short of their crosstown rivals in the FA Cup final in 2023.
Ferdinand on Ratcliffe and Ineos at Man Utd
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos team took control of football operations at Manchester United after their part takeover of the club was approved.
The 71-year-old British billionaire is keen to restore United’s prestige and the Red Devils have made behind-the-scenes changes since Ratcliffe’s arrival.
Ratcliffe has admitted his desire to see United have a new stadium in place of Old Trafford, while the Red Devils squad could see a clearout of players in the summer.
The Ineos chief’s arrival has also cast doubt on Erik ten Hag’s long-term future at the Red Devils amid United’s underwhelming season.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE, the United legend is now convinced that Ten Hag’s fate at the Premier League club has already been sealed.
Rio Ferdinand has predicted that a new manager will be in place at United, irrespective of whether the former Ajax boss wins or loses the FA Cup final.
“The more and more I think about it, win or lose, I don’t think Ten Hag will be there come next season,” he said on his Vibe with Five show.
“I’m not saying that’s what I want, I’m just saying what I believe is going to happen, and I believe that the club are going to look elsewhere, I think.
“I don’t think [winning the FA Cup] changes anything in the eyes of Ineos. I’ve not spoken to anyone there, this is just an assumption, this is what I think.”
Ferdinand shares advice with Ratcliffe and Ineos
United have been linked with several managers in recent months, including England boss Gareth Southgate and former Brighton head coach Roberto De Zerbi.
Ferdinand suggested that his advice to Ratcliffe and Ineos – if he were advising them – would be to bring in the “best coach around” if Ten Hag is axed.
“If I was Man United now, and I was Ineos, or I was advising them now, I would go and get a coach. I want the best coach around,” he added.
“Someone who speaks the language, yes. Someone who can communicate with the players.
“But someone who can implement a playing style and really coach the hell out of young players, experienced players.
“Gel players together, create a cohesive unit that we can all look at. Create a team now, a good team.”