Softfootball understands that following the sacking of Manchester United’s former manager Rúben Amorim after a poor run of results capped by a 1–1 draw against Leeds United, attention has quickly turned to who will become the club’s next permanent head coach.
With the search underway, a video shared by Rio Presents via their official X account sparked debate among fans after Premier League legend Rio Ferdinand and football analyst Stephen Howson were asked by Joelbeya to name their top three choices to take over at Old Trafford.
Watch the video below:
When asked to give his preferred candidates, Rio Ferdinand focused on managers with a clear footballing identity and strong tactical philosophy. He also explored interim solutions and future possibilities involving international success before a potential move to Manchester United.
Ferdinand said:
My first one will be Dzerbi. Love the way he plays. He’s got a style of play that he implements, and he drills it into his teams. If Thomas Tuchel were available, would I go in for him? But he’s not. Unless Darren Fletcher stays in until the summer.
At this point, Stephen Howson stepped in to clarify the club’s short-term plans, confirming internal arrangements regarding the interim role.
He stated:
That’s confirmed, by the way.
Ferdinand then expanded on that confirmation, suggesting that he would speak to Tuchel to join the team after winning the World Cup.
He continued:
Until the summer, okay. I’ll go and speak to Thomas Tuchel now. They go and win the World Cup and then come into Man United.
Still outlining his options, Ferdinand went on to name a third choice, expressing hope that continuity from within the club could prove successful if results justified it.
He added:
And then my third choice.
Well, I’d hope Darren Fischer does that well, that they go, You know what, we’ll give it to him.
Reacting to Ferdinand’s suggestion about winning the World Cup before taking the United job, Stephen Howson responded with a mix of humour and realism before offering his own preferred candidate.
He said:
Go win the World Cup and then come manage Manchester United. And it’s that big German guy, but it’s not the one that you’re talking about, it’s Nagelsmann. That’s who I bring in.
Ferdinand responded playfully, admitting he briefly thought both men were aligned in their thinking.
He replied:
You had me there, i was thinking, me and stephen are on the same page.
Howson then added another name to the discussion, making it clear he would be open to alternative ideas, particularly managers with a strong record of youth development and progressive football.
He said:
I wouldn’t be mad at Xabi. I wouldn’t be mad at Xabi.
Finally, Joelbeya pressed the pair on whether the club and fanbase would truly be ready for such an appointment.
He asked:
Are you guys ready for that?
Howson responded by defending the idea, pointing to proven success with young players at elite clubs as evidence that such a move could work.
He concluded:
What do you mean, are we ready for it? Look at what he did with that Barcelona team, he played a team of youngsters.
As Manchester United weigh their next move, the discussion highlights the range of opinions around experience, philosophy, youth development, and timing, all key factors that will shape the club’s next chapter.
