Rio Ferdinand has criticised Manchester United's owners, the Glazer family, after the club failed to secure a deal for Cody Gakpo in the summer transfer window.
Gakpo and PSV have admitted that Erik ten Hag contacted them towards the end of the summer transfer window in an attempt to sign the prolific forward. However, the Eredivisie club were unwilling to let the 23-year-old go at that time, for the fee on offer, at the end of the window.
Since those conversations with Ten Hag, Gakpo has scored 13 goals and grabbed 17 assists during domestic matches. At the World Cup in Qatar, the Dutchman has continued his impressive form and is level with Kylian Mbappe and Marcus Rashford in the race for the Golden Boot with three goals to his name.
Speaking about the forward on the Vibe with Five World Cup special, Ferdinand criticised the club for failing to secure the player for a cheaper fee. "Man United's next signing [Gakpo] … Who we probably could've had for £25m to £30m before the tournament who has probably doubled to £60m or £80m," he explained.
"Man United are just going to get bent over again to put it bluntly, the numbers that are going to be spoken about after this tournament are going to be [high]. If he does nothing from this point on, he's doubled minimum in value, wage and in the transfer fee.
"He's got three goals in the World Cup. Especially with Ronaldo leaving, wow, wow, wow, Man United need new owners now."
Fortunately for Ferdinand, the Reds could have new owners sooner rather than later. Last week, the Glazers announced that they were considering new opportunities for investment in United which include the possibility of selling the club.
United fans have protested against the Glazers' ownership for some time now as the club's decline became rapid post the Sir Alex Ferguson era. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Zara owner Amancio Ortega are among those interested in buying the Reds.