Rio Ferdinand has warned that Manchester United must work to secure a deal for Bryan Mbeumo, given that the star has announced that Old Trafford is the only destination he is interested in this summer
Rio Ferdinand speaks into a microphone
Rio Ferdinand has warned Manchester United over Bryan Mbeumo(Image: Getty Images)
Rio Ferdinand has urged the Manchester United top brass to secure Bryan Mbeumo's services this summer to avoid an "egg on your face situation."
The Red Devils have been linked with the Brentford talisman since the summer transfer window opened, but have so far failed to meet the London club's valuation for the 25-year-old. It is said that United have already made two approaches for the Cameroon international over the past couple of weeks, only to see their respective bids rebuffed.
However, it now appears that the Old Trafford elite are set to table a third offer exceeding £60m as they work to bolster their strikeforce for 2025/26. According to Ferdinand, who spent 12 years with the club between 2002 and 2014, Mbeumo is a must-have for the new season should United hope to avoid embarrassment.
Speaking on his Rio Ferdinand presents YouTube channel, the former centre-half said: "David Ornstein, who's a friend of the channel, has reported that he [Mbeumo] has told Tottenham, he's told Brentford that he only wants to join Manchester United. So Man United and Brentford have to come together and find a way of... well, Man United have to find a way of meeting Brentford's valuation.
"I think the proposal is £55m with £7.5m add-ons. That doesn't seem to be enough, maybe, for Brentford, but I think Man United have to get this done. I think it's been in the news for far too long to get to a situation where you get to the end of the window and it doesn't happen.
"I think that would be a custard, egg on your face situation for Man United, unless they go and get someone else, another striker. Who have they got waiting in the wings as an alternative?
"We haven't heard, really, any other names that it seems to be getting close with. So, I'll be surprised if this deal doesn't go through, because Man United have been adamant. It's gone public, they've allowed that to happen, and they're in a position now where they've got to make a move to kind of get this over the line."
Bryan Mbeumo in action with Brentford
Manchester United are working to secure Bryan Mbeumo this summer
On why Mbeumo is a good match for the club above anyone else, Ferdinand added: "He fits the bill for me physically. He's dynamic, scores goals in the Premier League, knows the Premier League. Watch this space."
As per reports, Brentford are looking for a fee eclipsing £65m to let the winger part ways this summer. Director of football, Phil Giles, has said on matters: "There is significant interest in Bryan.
"His current preference has been well publicised. He had an unbelievable season, and we expected interest in him. From what I understand, he is also, if needs be, happy to stay at Brentford next year as well.
Bryan Mbeumo smiles while wearing headphones
Manchester United is Mbeumo's destination of choice
"We've spoken to Bryan and his representatives. It's not a given that he's going to depart this summer. If we get the right offer, there is the potential for a deal to be done, but there is only so much we can say now on that."
Mbeumo enjoyed an incredible season with Brentford in 2024/25, scoring 20 goals and providing eight assists in 38 Premier League matches. Given that he is under contract with his current club until next summer, with the option to extend for a year lying with Brentford, the board are in no rush to sell unless the price is right.
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