Rio Ferdinand, who left Manchester United this summer and joined Queens Park Rangers, believes there could be a future chapter in his career that involves returning to Old Trafford as manager.

The 35-year-old was one of the mainstays at United for more than a decade and during that time he won six Premier League titles and the Champions League. Ferdinand told the Manchester Evening News that he would one day love to return to the club in a managerial capacity. “I am not going to look that far ahead,” he said. “I am taking all my coaching badges and everything I need to do and then we shall see what opportunities arise.

“I am not stupid enough to think that I will pass all my badges and then Manchester United will come asking me to become their manager. But I want to be the best in whatever field I go into and that means managing a big club like United or your country.”

Ferdinand’s departure from Old Trafford came about after the appointment of Louis van Gaal but, despite failing to secure a one-year extension to his contract, the former captain is fully supportive of the Dutchman. “United are meant to be struggling and having a terrible season yet they are fourth in the league. If they hit a bit of form and consistency then they are going to be up there.

“I don’t see it being a problem getting into the Champions League spots. I think they will comfortably get into the top four and then it is a case of building back from there. Louis van Gaal wants to play in a different way to how the club have played in the past. He has his philosophy and he believes and trusts in that 100%. He is fully committed to that. The players will go along with him and do that. They have bought into it.”

Ferdinand believes Van Gaal has to be given some breathing space as he builds his own team. He said: “Sometimes things take time. United had a way of playing and it has been … To think he would come in and change things and everything would be hunky dory overnight was a bit far fetched. But in time I think he will get it right. His history suggests he will and I don’t see any reason why that would change.”