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Ferdinand backs Van Gaal appointment

Rio Ferdinand revealed this week he will leave Manchester United © Getty Images

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Rio Ferdinand says Louis van Gaal would be a "very strong" manager at Manchester United should the club appoint the current Netherlands boss as David Moyes' permanent successor.

Van Gaal has been heavily linked with taking over the position at Old Trafford and could be confirmed next week, while current interim manager Ryan Giggs is believed to have been offered the position of assistant manager.

While Ferdinand's future is still unresolved after declaring he will leave the club this summer, the former England international believes that Van Gaal would be a good choice to lead United forward following a disappointing campaign.

United made to wait on Van Gaal

• Louis van Gaal will not be announced as Manchester United's new manager until next week with negotiations over his contract ongoing, a club source has told ESPN.
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"He seems very strong and direct, has a good understanding and knowledge of what he wants to do and doesn't deviate. You need to be like that at a club like Manchester United," Ferdinand told Sky Sports.

"At every club he's been at - Ajax, Bayern Munich, Barcelona - he seems to have gone in and done things his own way and I envisage him doing same thing if he comes in to United like it's anticipated."

Ferdinand, 35, has spent 12 years at Old Trafford but will move on after an extension to his current deal was not forthcoming, with defensive partner Nemanja Vidic also leaving the club for Inter Milan.

The centre-back says he will now take his time to weigh up potential offers before deciding on his next career move.

"In the coming days I will start to think about my next step and make a decision on what will happen," he continued.

"I haven't had much time to do that yet since the season ended. I've been able to get away from the hype and enjoy my time."

Ferdinand won six Premier League titles with United after joining from Leeds on a 30 million-pound deal in 2002, as well as collecting a Champions League medal.

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