Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has weighed in on the club’s latest managerial shake-up, claiming that Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is the only coach in the Premier League capable of turning down the opportunity to manage the Red Devils.

Ferdinand made the comments following United’s decision to sack Ruben Amorim on Monday, just hours after the team were held to a 1-1 draw by Leeds United at Elland Road. Amorim’s dismissal marked the end of a turbulent spell that saw the Portuguese coach struggle for consistency despite high expectations.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand expressed confidence that the Manchester United job remains one of the most attractive roles in world football, regardless of the club’s recent struggles.

According to the former defender, interest in the vacant position will be overwhelming, with Guardiola standing alone as the one manager content enough to decline the offer.

“Pep Guardiola is the only manager in the league that I think would just sit there and say, ‘I’m happy where I am, I’m content and I don’t need anything else,’” Ferdinand said.

Ferdinand also dismissed suggestions that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta would automatically reject the chance to manage United.

“I don’t buy it, not at all,” he said. “He would never say it publicly, but I’m telling you, Mikel Arteta would sit there and think about it.”

He further added that Aston Villa boss Unai Emery would not hesitate if United came calling, underlining how powerful the club’s global appeal still is.

Opinion: The United Job Still Carries Weight — But Times Have Changed

Ferdinand’s comments highlight a key truth: Manchester United remain a dream destination, even in a period of instability. Despite recent managerial struggles, the club’s history, resources and global profile still command respect.

However, Guardiola’s unique position reflects how football’s power dynamics have shifted. At City, he has total control, elite players, stability, and sustained success—luxuries United have failed to offer consistently in recent years.

For managers like Arteta or Emery, United would still represent the ultimate challenge: restoring a fallen giant. But until the club rebuilds its structure behind the scenes, the job may continue to attract ambition rather than certainty.

In the end, Ferdinand’s claim says as much about Guardiola’s dominance at City as it does about United’s ongoing identity crisis—a reminder that prestige alone is no longer enough to guarantee loyalty in modern football.