Rio Ferdinand Questions Man United Transfer Decision After Bouaddi’s Man City Impact
Manchester United spent £155million rebuilding their midfield during the summer, a considerable investment designed to address an area of persistent concern. Yet, as the season begins to take shape, Rio Ferdinand has identified one decision that may come to define the club’s recruitment strategy.
Ayyoub Bouaddi, the 19-year-old midfielder who joined Manchester City from Lille for £85million, has already made a considerable impression on the former United defender.
For Ferdinand, watching the Moroccan international flourish across Manchester has brought a familiar sense of frustration. United had explored the possibility of signing Bouaddi before eventually deciding that the financial commitment was excessive.
City, meanwhile, appear increasingly comfortable with their investment.
Rio Ferdinand Reveals Frustration Over Bouaddi Transfer
Manchester United’s summer recruitment under Michael Carrick saw Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos arrive for a combined £155million.
Photo: IMAGO
Each signing addressed a particular requirement within the squad, although Ferdinand believes United may have overlooked a player capable of transforming their midfield for years to come.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand reflected on Bouaddi’s appearance against Paris Saint-Germain, when the youngster demonstrated the technical assurance that had originally attracted attention across Europe.
“Did you see when Ayyoub Bouaddi came on? This is why I was talking about him over the last year and during the summer transfer window,” Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel.
“He came on and showed PSG that they may have missed out on someone who was on their doorstep when he was playing in France. He turned 19 this month, right? His transfer fee is the same as Santos and Tielemans combined. Manchester United were in for him, 100 per cent, but the fee was just too much.
