Rio Ferdinand dismisses speculation linking Manchester United with Mauricio Pochettino

The former United defender insists the rumours have been “disrespectful” towards Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Mauricio Pochettino habló en Sky Sports

(Sky Sports)

Rio Ferdinand has dismissed speculation over Manchester United hiring Mauricio Pochettino to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

While the former United defender believes rumours in recent weeks have been “disrespectful” towards the Norwegian.

Solskjaer inspired a response last weekend after two damaging defeats to Arsenal and Istanbul Basaksehir, with the Red Devils defeating Everton 2-1 at Goodison Park.

The victory leaves United in 14th and eight points off the pace, with Leicester City the surprise leaders heading into the international break.

But Ferdinand is upset after recently hearing the rumours and strongly refuted them after revealing he has held conversations with those closely connected to the club.

“It’s a bit disrespectful on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, if I’m honest," Ferdinand said on Instagram.

“People are touting that Pochettino has been spoken to and stuff.

“I’ve got it under a really, really, really good source that there have been no conversations or anything like that going on.”

While Solskjaer was defiant last week when pushed on the pressure of the job and doubts over his future.

“I decline to comment on such a thing,” Solskjaer said. “Of course, it's early on and opinions are out there all the time.

“You've got to stay strong. I'm employed by the club to do a job and I do that to the best of my ability with my staff.

“I’ve always had a very good, open and honest and positive dialogue with the club. They’ve shown strong leadership since I come in and with me today it’s sunny in Manchester, I don’t expect the wind to turn, there will always be pressure and expectations on us.

“I became a man at Manchester United and have learned how to deal with good and bad times. You’re a top coach or manager when you win and bad when you lose because that’s the last game you played. You aren’t really better than your last game.”