Rio Ferdinand has admitted that he one day wants to become the manager of Manchester United.

The defender, who spent 12 years playing for the Red Devils before joining Queens Park Rangers in the summer, is currently taking his coaching badges.

The 35-year-old won six Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy at Old Trafford, but knows that walking into the role at United is unrealistic.

"I am not going to look that far ahead," Ferdinand told the Manchester Evening News. "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."

Louis van Gaal currently holds the position at Old Trafford following David Moyes's dismissal in April.