Rio Ferdinand explains what he would do if handed assistant role at Man Utd

Rio Ferdinand says he would ‘crack the whip’ if he were ever to return to Manchester United after denying claims he is in the running to become the new assistant manager.

Ajax boss Erik ten Hag had an interview with United on Monday, with talks with the Dutchman said to have been ‘positive’.

Reports that followed suggested that if the 52-year-old is appointed United’s new permanent manager then he will seek to bring in a former United player as an assistant to help with the transition.

After being named as one possible option, Ferdinand laughed off the rumours on his Vibe YouTube channel – but added he would happily whip the current crop into shape.

‘Whoever has told you that, you need to go back to your source and say ‘listen man’. But if I did go in there – woo – the whip would be getting cracked!’ Ferdinand said.

‘Crack that whip. But no, no I’m not, man. I’m not going in there.’

According to a report in The Times this week, Ten Hag wants to bring in a former player who understands ‘the bond’ between the squad, staff and fans.

The report names the Dutch trio of Robin van Persie, Jaap Stam and Ruud van Nistelrooy as three possible candidates.

Van Persie is currently working as an assistant at Feyenoord with Stam’s last coaching role at FC Cincinnati, a post he left last year.

Van Nistelrooy meanwhile is first choice to be the new PSV Eindhoven manager, set to step up from his role with the reserve team and into senior management for the first time.

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