Ferdinand: Man Utd will be watching Valencia boss Neville closely

Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester United will be keeping a close eye on Gary Neville's managerial tenure at Valenica.

Neville was unveiled as the new boss of the La Liga outfit on Thursday, and Ferdinand believes his former Red Devils teammate could open the door on a return to Old Trafford in a managerial capacity if he is successful in Spain.

"Gary knows he has a big job to do and that it won't be an easy ride," Ferdinand wrote in his column for The Sun.

"Valencia is a hot-bed of football. They take it seriously and are very passionate.

"The Mestalla is a great throw-back stadium, a tight ground with sheer sides and if he is under pressure he will certainly feel it.

"But if he can go on a run the momentum will build and the fans can really carry the team.

"What you can be sure of is that the people at the top at Manchester United will be looking at what Gary does now and be interested to see how he gets on.

"If he does well, there is a very big chance that he will be wanted back at Old Trafford as manager at some point - and that he would be keen on going back as well, a local lad taking over his boyhood club."