Rio Ferdinand has admitted he is disappointed that Manchester United failed to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi, with the highly-rated midfielder now making an impression at Manchester City.
Manchester City beat several rivals to secure Bouaddi’s signature over the summer in a deal worth £86 million. The Morocco international became the Premier League’s most expensive teenager, and Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester United missed out on a special talent.
The former United defender was particularly impressed by Bouaddi’s second-half cameo during City’s Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain last week. His performance reminded Rio Ferdinand why he had been talking about the youngster throughout the previous year and during the summer transfer window.
Ferdinand rues Manchester United’s missed opportunity
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand highlighted how Bouaddi was the highlight of the game against PSG and who they missed.
“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,” Ferdinand said.
The former England international also confirmed that Manchester United had been interested in bringing the midfielder to Old Trafford, but the transfer fee was too expensive.
“Manchester United were in for him, 100%, but the fee was just too much,” he added.
Ferdinand was left frustrated by what he saw from the teenager, who turned 19 this month.
“Just that little cameo against PSG makes you go, ‘oh, I can’t believe we missed out on that. I can’t believe it.’ I’m so gutted, so gutted. He’s bad! He’s so calm under pressure.”
Ayyoub Bouaddi could become a key player for Man City
Rio Ferdinand suggested Bouaddi’s quality could soon make the midfield position in a packed Manchester City his regular role.
City already have Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernandez among their midfield options, but Ferdinand believes Bouaddi has the ability to stand out alongside them.
“They’ve got Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernandez in that midfield as well but this kid could be the best of the three, easily.”
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