Rio Ferdinand has suggested that the Manchester United hierarchy will be looking at how former defender Gary Neville gets on as Valencia head coach.

The ex-United and England right-back took charge of the La Liga side on Wednesday and will remain at the Mestalla Stadium until the end of the season.

Ferdinand, who played alongside the 40-year-old for both club and country, has stated that Neville has a big job ahead of him in Spain but he could put himself in the frame for a return to Old Trafford if he does well.

"Gary knows he has a big job to do and that it won't be an easy ride," he told The Sun. "Valencia is a hotbed 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."

Neville, who is making his first foray into management, will work alongside brother Phil Neville at Los Che.