Rio Ferdinand denies speculation that he has put himself forward to be Man United's assistant

Rio Ferdinand has denied unsubstantiated reports that he has put himself forward to be Manchester United's assistant manager.

The Red Devils are edging closer to confirming the appointment of Ajax manager Erik ten Hag to replace current interim boss Ralf Rangnick after interviewing the Dutchman for the job.

The club is also exploring bringing in a former player to become ten Hag's assistant manager next season, according to Stretty News.

The Manchester United blog channel reported that the United hierarchy would prefer a former player to keep the harmony maintained in the dressing room under a new foreign coach.

Rio Ferdinand and Robin van Persie are the two candidates who put their names forward for the vacant post.

However, it was also reported that the United hierarchy are not convinced by Rio Ferdinand with van Persie under consideration.

Ferdinand, who currently works as a TV pundit, was quick to deny the rumours as he took to Twitter.

The former England international said: 'Who’s feeding you this sh*t! Put myself forward yanoooooo.'

Since retiring in 2019, Van Persie has gained coaching experience in Feyenoord's academy system, while also helping out in the forward's department in the senior side.

Ferdinand, who made more than 500 Premier League appearances for United, decided to take away from the training ground to work as a pundit and start up his own podcast Vibe.

It would be expected that if United do land Erik ten Hag, that he would be keen to bring his current assistant Mitchell van der Gaag to Old Trafford with him.