Rio Ferdinand is convinced that Manchester United have stood their ground admirably regarding getting the right price for Bryan Mbeumo, as the Brentford forward looks set to join the Red Devils
Rio Ferdinand is adamant Manchester United stood their ground and didn't 'buckle' when it came to the transfer of Bryan Mbeumo.
The former United defender feels that the hierarchy at Old Trafford ultimately refused to budge on the number they had in mind for Mbeumo, and this is the reason why the transfer discussions went on for so long. The Cameroon international looks set to join the Red Devils after a bid worth up to £71million was accepted by Brentford over the weekend.
United previously had two bids rejected by the Premier League side for the 25-year-old, which Ferdinand believes was the club playing the long game in order to get their man for the right price.
Speaking on his YouTube channel Rio Presents, the 46-year-old said: "I think the Mbeumo deal, I think Man United in past years would have buckled and just given Brentford exactly what they wanted.
"I think this one they didn't. I think they stood firm and said, 'Listen, we're not going to move. We've got other targets and we'll go to them, we're willing to wait but we're not going to budge on the number.'"
Discussing United's transfer strategy of old, Ferdinand added: "I think before, the old regime would have buckled and just said, 'We'll give you what you want and paid over the odds,' like we have with numerous players over the years.
"So I think yes, it did take longer than we thought or expected or anticipated, but it got done and I think it was nearer to the price that Man United wanted to pay rather than what Brentford were trying to ask for and demand. So in that sense I'd say that's good."
The Premier League icon is one of very few who believes United's transfer plans for Mbeumo were the correct way to go, as the move took over six weeks to complete.
This lengthy saga frustrated many supporters as the player snubbed interest from the likes of Arsenal, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur to focus solely on a move to Manchester.
Even Mbeumo's new team-mates were quick to comment on the time it took for him to join, as Leny Yoro offered an insight to the dressing room's reaction to the signing. Speaking after United's 0-0 draw against Leeds United in their pre-season friendly on Saturday, the French defender was full of praise for the club's next signing.
"Bryan is a really good player, I am really happy he has come to the club," Yoro told United's Scandinavian Supporters' Club.
"That is my guy. I am waiting for him now! That was long, that was long, but he is here now and I'm really happy!"