Rio Ferdinand believes Gary Neville's Valencia spell will be audition for Manchester United job

Gary Neville was named as the head coach of Valencia on Wednesday

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has claimed that Gary Neville’s stint as manager of Spanish club Valencia will be closely watched by people high up in the Old Trafford hierarchy. Ferdinand believes that Neville’s performance in Spain could be an audition of sorts for the hot seat at Old Trafford.

Gary Neville was surprisingly named the head coach of Spanish club Valencia on Wednesday. The former United defender will officially take charge on Sunday and will remain in charge until the end of the current season.

Neville spent his entire career at Old Trafford and, having become an acclaimed pundit and key coach in the English national team set-up, is now taking his first steps in management with the Spanish side.

Ferdinand explained the gravity of the job ahead at the Mestalla saying Neville’s task ahead was by no means easy.

"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 hot-bed 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’s leadership skills are strong: Sir Alex Ferguson

Legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has put his weight behind Gary Neille to succeed as a manager. The former tactician was all praise for Neville’s leadership skills and believes that Neville has all the necessary attributes to do the job in Spain.

"His leadership skills are strong, he's honest and he's hard working."

"He is the type of character who is not afraid of making big decisions, which is a vital skill when leading. I think he'll do well and I wish him, and his brother Phil, good luck."

Neville’s younger brother, Phil Neville who arrived at the Mestalla in July as an assistant coach under former manager Nuno Espirito Santo, will continue at current position until the end of the season.