Rio Ferdinand tells Manchester United what Erik ten Hag would need to succeed

Rio Ferdinand believes that Manchester United could thrive under the guidance of Erik ten Hag if he was able to replicate the philosophy that has served him so well at Ajax.

The Dutchman, as revealed by the Manchester Evening News earlier this month, is United's preferred candidate to become their next permanent manager and has been interviewed for the position. Further talks are expected to take place and he is now the favourite to take charge this summer.

The supporters have identified the 52-year-old as their choice to succeed Ralf Rangnick and oversee United's next chapter. He has done a terrific job at Ajax and his stock has significantly risen as a result of his success.

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Thriving both domestically and in Europe in recent years, Ajax's success has been built on following a strict uniformed policy, where everyone sings from the same hymn sheet. Recruitment and the development of youth have played key parts in their success and Ferdinand believes United could experience similar benefits if Ten Hag is able to follow a similar structure at Old Trafford.

Ferdinand told Vibe with Five: "With Ten Hag, the way his team plays, if you could replicate that at Man United, now we're talking.

"His recruitment is unbelievable there. He has a conveyor belt of talent underneath the first-team that feeds the first-team.

"He deals with rough jewels, people like [Sebastian] Haller, who was disregarded in England, and [Dusan] Tadic, smashing."

While Ten Hag has enjoyed a wealth of success at the Johan Cruyff Arena, concerns have been raised about the level of egos the Dutchman will have to deal with at Old Trafford, should he land the