Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has urged the club to act quickly or risk serious embarrassment in their ongoing pursuit of Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo. Despite securing Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5 million earlier in the window, United’s transfer activity has since stalled—leaving fans and pundits increasingly concerned, particularly regarding the drawn-out chase for Mbeumo.
United have reportedly submitted several bids for the 24-year-old Cameroon international, but a deal remains out of reach. Negotiations have been complicated by Brentford’s shifting demands, with the London club raising their asking price multiple times. Nevertheless, United remain focused on bringing Mbeumo to Old Trafford before the transfer deadline.
Ferdinand, speaking on his *Rio Ferdinand Presents* YouTube channel, voiced his frustration over the prolonged delay, warning that failing to complete the deal could leave United red-faced. “Man United need to meet Brentford’s valuation. If they don’t get it done before the window closes, it’ll be embarrassing. This saga has dragged on too long,” he said. Ferdinand added that the club risks looking unprepared, especially as there haven’t been serious links to alternative targets.
The former defender believes Mbeumo is an ideal fit for United, citing his Premier League experience, physicality, goal-scoring ability, and dynamism. Last season, the versatile forward netted 9 goals and contributed 6 assists, stepping up significantly in Ivan Toney’s absence and keeping Brentford competitive. Ferdinand believes that under new United manager Rúben Amorim—who typically operates with a 3-4-2-1 system—Mbeumo could thrive, offering pace and a dangerous left-footed presence from the right side of attack. He could form an exciting frontline alongside Cunha and Joshua Zirkzee.
However, delays in sealing the deal could have knock-on effects. One concern is the future of Amad Diallo, who impressed last season and may be pushed into a right wing-back role to accommodate Mbeumo—a tactical shift that could restrict his attacking influence. United’s other wide options are also limited. Talented youth players such as Shea Lacey and Bendito Mantato remain untested at senior level, and Amorim may be hesitant to depend on them too heavily in such a crucial campaign.
With time running out and fan pressure building, United’s leadership—under Amorim and the new INEOS-led structure—faces a pivotal early test. If Bryan Mbeumo is truly a top target, the club must act decisively to avoid letting yet another priority signing slip through their fingers.
