Mikel Arteta to Man Utd: The state of play - Fabrizio Romano

Carlo Garganese

• 28 Feb 2024 11:25 GMT
• 3 min read

Fabrizio Romano has rubbished reports that Mikel Arteta could sensationally quite Arsenal in order to take over as manager of Manchester United.

Former Man Utd star Rio Ferdinand remarked on Monday that if Arteta was offered the job this summer he would jump at the chance to take over the Red Devils.

However, Romano reports that there is no truth to these claims and no plans at all from any of the parties to take Arteta to Old Trafford.

What did Romano say?

“The Manchester United manager situation has been making for some interesting headlines, with reports that INEOS are exploring replacements for Erik ten Hag and linking Roberto De Zerbi as a candidate.

“However, my understanding remains that there is nothing concrete to these kinds of stories – Man United are giving Ten Hag time and space to develop his football and his ideas, he also confirmed a very good relationship with INEOS.

“He has to keep going at his best level in the next three months, that’s obviously important. I’m sure in this time we’ll continue to have many stories about this, but for now nothing is happening.

“Some fans have also been asking me for my thoughts on Rio Ferdinand’s claim that Mikel Arteta would leave Arsenal to take the United job if they offered it to him. It’s Rio’s opinion and I respect that. But I don’t really like to enter into these kinds of debates or discussions – it’s purely hypothetical, nothing concrete or realistic.

“There’s nothing at all between United and Arteta, and my job is about concrete news and not hypotheses. Arteta’s full focus is only on Arsenal.”

Arteta is currently enjoying a second fantastic season in a row, with the Gunners once again challenging to win the Premier League title.

As for Ten Hag, he is enduring a disastrous season at Man Utd. The Red Devils are sixth in the Premier League and have a slim chance of qualifying for the Champions League. Their only hope of winning a trophy is the FA Cup.

Ten Hag is widely expected to leave the club at the end of the season following the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe as part-owner of Man Utd.