Football: Louis is a winner, says Ferdinand

He will not be part of the Manchester United team from next season, but Rio Ferdinand has given the thumbs-up to Louis van Gaal, who by all accounts is set to take over the managerial reins at Old Trafford.

Speaking at a press conference at SingTel Comcentre yesterday, the former England international defender says van Gaal has the attributes to succeed.

"From what I've seen and heard from various people, van Gaal seems very direct, very certain about what he wants to do, and doesn't deviate from that," said Ferdinand, who left United after 12 seasons at the club.

"To be at a club like United, you need to be like that. You need to have strong values and strong opinions and the will to follow them through."

"Every club he's been at, whether it was Bayern Munich, Barcelona and now with the Holland national team, he's gone in and done things his own way."

"If he does come to United, I envision him doing the same type of thing."

Ferdinand, 35, is in town for the SingTel Game On! Challenge, along with Manchester City and Argentina star Sergio Aguero.

Currently a free agent, the towering centre back was mum about his future.

As for United, he's certain the team will benefit next season from their Champions League hiatus.

ADVANTAGE

The Red Devils missed out on European football after finishing seventh in the the concluding season's Premier League.

"100 per cent (not playing in the Champions League) will be an advantage for United," said Ferdinand.

"No disrespect to Liverpool, but if they had been in the Champions League this season they wouldn't have finished where they did."

"You need a bigger squad and the season is a lot tougher because there are many more games."

"I think United will have a fantastic chance in the league next season. If people pick a team to be real challengers, it would have to be United."

Every club he's been at, he's gone in and done things his own way. If he does come to United, I envision him doing the same type of thing. - Former England defender Rio Ferdinand

This article was published on May 16 in The New Paper.

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