Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is eyeing a future in management.

The News of the World says Ferdinand has told pals he fancies a crack at the big-time when he's finished playing, returning to Upton Park to take charge of his first club.

The Manchester United defender, who missed yesterday's friendly with Brazil in Doha through injury, has joined a growing list of players with managerial aspirations.

Now he is one of a number of young managers who could only be a few years away from pitting his wits against the vastly experienced Arsene Wenger, Harry Redknapp and the master, Sir Alex Ferguson.