As negotiations with Brentford drag into their sixth week, Ferdinand’s comments highlight growing frustration among fans and former players alike, with the club’s inability to finalize the transfer threatening to undermine manager Ruben Amorim’s plans for the 2025/26 season.
The saga, marked by rejected bids and Brentford’s firm stance on their valuation, has sparked concerns about United’s transfer strategy under INEOS, especially as Mbeumo’s desire to join Old Trafford remains clear.
Ferdinand, speaking on his *Rio Ferdinand Presents* YouTube channel, emphasized the urgency of securing Mbeumo’s signature, warning that failure to do so could make United a “laughing stock.” He pointed to reports from journalist David Ornstein, who noted that Mbeumo has explicitly told Brentford and rivals Tottenham Hotspur that Manchester United is his preferred destination. “It’s been in the news for far too long,” Ferdinand said. “To get to the end of the window and it doesn’t happen, that will be an embarrassment for Man United unless they go and get someone else.” He praised Mbeumo’s fit for United, highlighting his physicality, dynamism, and proven Premier League record, with 20 goals and eight assists in 38 appearances during the 2024/25 season.
The transfer talks have been fraught with challenges. Manchester United have seen two bids rejected by Brentford—an initial £55 million offer and a subsequent £62.5 million proposal, matching the fee paid for Matheus Cunha from Wolves. Brentford, however, are holding firm for a fee closer to £65 million, bolstered by recent market trends, such as Chelsea’s £60 million deal for Joao Pedro and Newcastle’s £55 million move for Anthony Elanga.
The situation is further complicated by Brentford’s reluctance to lose both Mbeumo and teammate Yoane Wissa in the same window, especially after manager Thomas Frank’s departure to Tottenham. A fresh bid from Nottingham Forest for Wissa has raised fears that United’s pursuit could collapse if Brentford prioritize retaining Mbeumo.
Adding to the complexity, Mbeumo himself is reportedly growing “increasingly frustrated” with the lack of progress, as confirmed by Cameroon assistant manager Ashu Cyprian Besong, who spoke with the 25-year-old forward about his situation.
Despite personal terms not being an issue, Brentford’s director of football, Phil Giles, has suggested Mbeumo could stay if the right offer isn’t met, stating, “It’s not a given that he’s going to depart this summer.”
This hardball stance has intensified pressure on United to meet the valuation or risk losing credibility, especially as they aim to bolster their attack following Marcus Rashford’s potential departure and the earlier exits of Antony and Jadon Sancho.
Ferdinand’s warning also reflects broader concerns about United’s transfer market efficiency. While the signing of Cunha was relatively straightforward, the Mbeumo saga has exposed delays that could disrupt Amorim’s pre-season preparations, particularly with the club’s US tour looming.
Some reports suggest United are preparing a third bid nearing £65 million, with restructured payments to bridge the gap. However, with Brentford emboldened by recent transfer fees and interest from Tottenham in Wissa, the Red Devils face a race against time to avoid further embarrassment and secure a player seen as pivotal to their attacking rebuild.
