Manchester United’s summer transfer activity is starting to draw praise from pundits, with former United captain Rio Ferdinand recently giving his approval to the club’s latest moves.
Speaking about the Red Devils’ pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo and Victor Osimhen, Ferdinand highlighted how both players could offer much-needed quality and experience to Ruben Amorim’s squad, which is in desperate need of reinforcements after a disastrous 2024/25 season.
Last season saw United slump to their worst-ever Premier League finish — 15th — along with a disappointing run in Europe.
That has left Amorim under immense pressure to turn things around.
To aid this rebuild, United have already secured Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5 million, and Mbeumo is now reportedly close to becoming their second signing.
Ferdinand expressed great excitement about the possibility of Mbeumo joining the club.
The Brentford forward enjoyed an outstanding campaign last season, scoring 20 goals and providing 9 assists in 42 appearances — a goal or assist every 123 minutes.
Ferdinand pointed out that Mbeumo is a proven Premier League player who can make an immediate impact.
Crucially, Ferdinand added, “he wants to come”— suggesting the player is fully motivated to make the move to Old Trafford.
One of the key reasons Ferdinand supports the move is Mbeumo’s Premier League experience.
“There’s no adjustment needed,” Ferdinand explained, referring to how many foreign signings take time to adapt to the English game.
However, he acknowledged that Mbeumo would need to adapt to the pressures of playing for a massive club like United, where the “badge is heavier.”
In addition to Mbeumo, Ferdinand is also hoping United will finally land Victor Osimhen — the prolific Nigerian striker who netted 151 goals in Europe and helped Napoli to Serie A glory.
Osimhen has reportedly rejected a lucrative offer from Al-Hilal, suggesting that he still dreams of playing in the Premier League.
Ferdinand stated, “He must be waiting for Manchester United,” although he admitted uncertainty over whether the club will actually submit an offer.
Napoli are thought to be open to selling Osimhen this summer for around €75m (£64m), though Osimhen may need to lower his £400,000-per-week wage demands to complete a Premier League move. Liverpool are also now reportedly in the race.
Ferdinand made it clear that Osimhen remains his No. 1 target for United’s rebuild, though he sees Mbeumo as a smart addition too.
He believes a front line featuring both players would give United real firepower.
Meanwhile, transfer talks also continue around potential moves for Hugo Ekitike, Jadon Sancho, and Antony, as United look to reshape their attack for the new season.
