Ferdinand warns Man Utd Mbeumo saga could leave them with ‘egg on their face’

Rio Ferdinand has warned Manchester United that they risk embarrassment should they be unable to secure Bryan Mbeumo's signature this summer, given how tirelessly they have worked to sign him

Rio Ferdinand has issued a stark warning to Manchester United's hierarchy, urging them to snap up Bryan Mbeumo this summer or risk embarrassment. The Brentford sensation has been a key target for the Red Devils since the summer transfer window opened up last month.

However, the journey to securing Mbeumo's services has been far from plain sailing, given United have already seen two initial bids for the 25-year-old rebuffed by the Bees after failing to meet their valuation. Now the Old Trafford top brass are set to launch an improved third offer exceeding £60million to finally get a deal over the line - although there's no guarantee Brentford will agree to sell at the new price.

Ferdinand, whose time at United spanned an impressive 12 years from 2002 to 2014, has labelled securing Mbeumo an essential move ahead of the upcoming campaign to stave off potential ridicule. On his Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel, the ex-defensive stalwart said: "[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."

On why Mbeumo is a top fit for the club, 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."

Regarding Brentford's stance, the club reportedly want at least £65m to let their star winger leave this summer. Director of football Phil Giles has said on the matter: "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.

"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 had a stellar 2024/25 season with the Bees, netting 20 goals and setting up eight more in 38 Premier League games. As his contract with the club runs until next summer, with an option for Brentford to extend it for another year, the board are not under pressure to sell unless they receive an offer that meets their valuation for the Cameroon international.