Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has shared why he strongly believes Bryan Mbeumo’s transfer to Old Trafford is being seen as a done deal.
Having announced the arrival of Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers last week, United are now working hard to complete the signing of Mbeumo, who has been identified as the ideal candidate to slot into one of the two number 10 positions alongside Cunha.
Mbeumo enjoyed a superb 2024/25 campaign, notching a career-high 20 Premier League goals while providing an additional seven assists.
United had an opening bid for him rejected but talks remain ongoing with Brentford to try and strike a compromise. There is renewed optimism that an agreement is on the brink of being found.
There had been suggestions that Tottenham Hotspur were looking to hijack United’s deal for the Cameroonian, but he made it clear his preference is to join United.
A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Tottenham have since cooled their interest in Mbeumo and are focusing on other targets.
All signs point to United having a clear run at Mbeumo, and Ferdinand is confident that the 25-year-old will be part of Ruben Amorim’s squad next term.
Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Ferdinand gave his assessment of United’s movements in the market so far.
The six-time Premier League winner remarked, “I’m happy with Cunha, he’s one of the ones I mentioned on my list. I hope it goes well for him.”
“The problem is that I’ve been happy many times in transfer windows and it’s gone wrong. I’m hoping he’s not going to be added to that list.”
“If they get Mbeumo, I’d be very happy.”
Asked why Mbeumo is being spoken about as a done deal, Ferdinand answered, “Because he wants to come. Mbeumo wants to come, I know it.”
“His stats over the last three seasons in the Premier League are up there, by the way. Goals and assists, goal chances, ridiculous.”
“Again, another proven Premier League player. This is what I like, played in the Premier League. There ain’t no adjustment business. The only thing is there will be adjustment because of the size of the club.”
“They don’t have to do that when they go to Arsenal. There ain’t that pressure, the badge ain’t as heavy. It’s heavy, but it’s not as heavy.”
United are expected to sign a striker and Ferdinand wants to see the club go after Victor Osimhen.
“No.9, they already know who I want. The comments know, the people know who I want, who I would go and get: Osimhen. It looks like he’s turned down Al-Hilal… he must be waiting for Manchester United.”
Ferdinand however questioned whether United will make a move for Osimhen.
Featured image Gareth Copley via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
