“You want the best to do it” - Ex-Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand hits out at Thomas Tuchel critics following England appointment 

Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand has backed England's decision to hire Thomas Tuchel as their new head coach. The pundit has hit back at critics who have questioned the German's appointment.

The Three Lions parted ways with Gareth Southgate after their defeat in the Euro 2024 final against Spain. The Englishman led England to two Euro finals and the 2018 FIFA World Cup semis during his eight years in charge.

Thomas Tuchel has been without a job since departing his role at Bayern Munich at the end of last season. The German tactician was linked with Manchester United in the summer but he reportedly turned down the offer due to the club's transfer policy.

England have now appointed Tuchel and their decision to hire a foreigner has attracted some criticism. However, Ferdinand believes the disapproval will fade away once the former Chelsea boss brings home some silverware.

The former Manchester United defender said on his YouTube channel (via Football365):

“I think that’s a contentious issue for quite a lot of fans, not all, but a lot of fans, I don’t know how much percentage-wise. I’ve seen murmurings, I’ve seen articles that are written by people, ‘The FA should be patriotic, we should have an English manager, there are so many good English managers, young ones that are waiting.' Graham Potter, I keep seeing his name put in there."

Ferdinand continued:

"You want the best to do it. I don’t care, I’m one of those guys, if we win a World Cup or a Euros, all those guys who are writing those articles, I’m going to save them because they’re the guys who will be screaming, waving their legs about, losing their voice, drinking 12 pints after it and celebrating, and they will not be talking about, ‘Oh no, we’ve got a German who’s managing us.'"

Thomas Tuchel has won two Ligue 1 titles with Paris Saint-Germain, the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich, and the Champions League with Chelsea.

Manchester United chiefs told Thomas Tuchel he was their 'No.1 target' before England appointment - Reports

Manchester United informed Thomas Tuchel that he was at the top of their list of candidates to replace Erik ten Hag if they sacked the Dutch boss this season, according to The Times (via the Daily Mail).

After a poor campaign last season, Ten Hag's future was doubtful in the summer as United began searching for alternatives. They finished eighth in the Premier League table while suffering a humiliating Champions League knockout last term.

However, the club gave the Dutch boss another chance and extended his contract but Ten Hag has still struggled to turn things around. Manchester United are 14th in the league table after just two wins from their first seven fixtures this term.

It has now been revealed that the hierarchy at Old Trafford told Thomas Tuchel just a few weeks ago that he was their main target to replace Ten Hag if they sacked the Dutch manager.