Rio Ferdinand has fired a warning Manchester United’s way as they talks with Brentford over a deal for the transfer of Bryan Mbeumo continue.
The forward is the Red Devils’ No 1 target but the two clubs have been in negotiations for a number of weeks with an agreement still yet to be reached, despite personal terms not being an issue.
A compromise has appeared to be in sight after Brentford rejected two offers from United for the Cameroon international – one of £45million plus £10m in add-ons and a second of £55m plus £7.5m.
United thought that matching the £62.5m paid to Wolves for Cunha would be enough, but Brentford are understood to be demanding in excess of £65m with a larger initial payment.
Ruben Amorim is keen to boost his attacking options after a dismal campaign last season and the Portuguese in desperate need of improvement as he enters his first pre-season in charge.
And former United defender Ferdinand has now spoken on the saga, urging the club to get the deal over the line once and for all.
Rio Ferdinand has fired Manchester United a warning over their bid to sign Bryan Mbeumo
Ruben Amorim’s side have been locked in negotiations to sign the forward for several weeks
Ferdinand said United would be left with an ‘egg-on-the-face situation’ if the move isn’t completed
‘Man United need to find a way of meeting Brentford’s valuation,’ Ferdinand said on Rio Ferdinand Presents. ‘The proposal doesn’t seem to be enough for Brentford, but Manchester United need to get this done.
‘It’s been in the news for far too long, to get to a situation to get to the end of the window and it doesn’t happen, I think that will be an egg-on-the-face situation for Man United unless they go and get someone else. Who have they got waiting in the wings as an alternative? We haven’t heard any names that are close.
‘I would be surprised if this deal doesn’t go through, United have allowed it to go public and they are in a position now where they have to make a move to get it over the line.
‘I will repeat myself. he fits the bill for me physically, he is dynamic, scores goals in the premier league, knows the premier league, watch this space.’
United have faced competition from Tottenham after Mbeumo’s old boss Thomas Frank left Brentford to replace Ange Postecoglou at Spurs, but the boyhood United fan has made no secret of his desire to move to Old Trafford and there is growing confidence that the deal will be done.
The 25-year-old fits the profile United want in terms of age and the fact he is already proven in the Premier League. His personal terms of less than £200,000-a-week also bring him into line with the club’s plans to lower their wage bill.
Mebumo would become United’s third signing of the summer, on the back of the arrival of Cunha and left back Diego Leon joining from Paraguayan club Club Cerro Porteno this week.
