'Nonsense!' – Rio Ferdinand's theory about Mikel Arteta and Manchester United leaves Jeff Stelling stunned

Rio Ferdinand has claimed that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta would take the job at Manchester United if it was offered to him, but Jeff Stelling is not taking it.

Arteta has the Gunners two points behind league leaders Liverpool and completely in contention for this season's Premier League title.

United, meanwhile, are languishing in sixth place and fighting to qualify for the Champions League.

However, Red Devils icon Ferdinand believes Arteta would not hesitate to swap the Emirates for Old Trafford.

Speaking on his FIVE YouTube channel, the former England star said: “Arteta would leave Arsenal to join Man United, 100 per cent.

“No one is saying this is happening, but if Man United in a crazy dream said: 'You know what, Erik ten Hag, thank you' or Erik ten Hag has been poached by Bayern Munichand he goes there, and then Man United say the top of the list is Arteta.

“Arteta comes in and tells the boys: 'Listen guys, it's been emotional but I have to move, I have to go.'”

The controversial opinion caused a stir on social media and talkSPORT presenter Stelling was among those left stunned by Ferdinand's comments.

Stelling said: “Rio Ferdinand said Mikel Arteta would '100 per cent' go to Old Trafford and become manchester united boss if they offered it.

“Now, Rio was talking – surprise, surprise – on his YouTube channel.

“I think that's known as clickbait, Rio. We're not all as dumb as we look, buddy.

“We talk about nonsense! We are gullible, but not that much.”

The contrasting fortunes of Arsenal and United were summed up on Saturday with two very different results.

Erik ten Hag's men again put up a disappointing performance in the 2-1 home defeat to Fulham, while the Gunners once again showed their flair.

Arteta's men scored 25 goals in their last six games with an impressive 4-1 win over Newcastle, and even Magpies manager Eddie Howe was impressed.

Howe told beIN Sports: “From the end of the game, I have to say they are in it, in the title race. They are definitely one of the best teams we have played this season.”

Arteta admitted he loves the ruthlessness his players show after their latest emphatic victory.

“The team is in top shape, we are in a good moment, the players individually are performing,” the Spaniard said on Saturday.

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“It's no secret that things are flowing at the moment, we are scoring goals in different ways and we want more.

“We scored one and we want to go for the second, the third and the fourth and I love that team mentality.”