Man Utd slammed for €95m summer transfer mistake

Rio Ferdinand has expressed his disappointment with Manchester United after the club failed to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi, who joined rivals Manchester City for €95 million during the summer transfer window.

According to a report by FootballTransfers on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, Ferdinand believes Manchester United missed an opportunity to secure one of football’s most promising young midfielders after deciding against completing a deal for the Morocco international.

Bouaddi attracted interest from United following his impressive performances at the World Cup but ultimately moved to the Etihad Stadium, where he became one of three major midfield additions made by Enzo Maresca’s side.

Manchester City also signed Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernandez as they strengthened their midfield options ahead of the new season.

The 19-year-old arrived at City after making 96 senior appearances for Lille, establishing himself as one of the most highly rated young talents in European football.

Although Bouaddi has started only three matches since his move, his recent substitute appearance against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League attracted attention and reinforced Ferdinand’s belief in his ability.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former Manchester United defender said: “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 added that the midfielder’s performance demonstrated why clubs could regret missing the opportunity to sign him.

“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%, but the fee was just too much.”

The former defender also highlighted Bouaddi’s composure under pressure and expressed frustration that United had allowed their rivals to secure his services.

“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 so calm under pressure.”

Ferdinand believes City’s depth will allow the teenager to develop gradually while competing with established midfielders.

“They’ve got Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernandez in that midfield as well but this kid could be the best of the three, easily.”

Bouaddi has more than five-and-a-half years remaining on his Manchester City contract, while FootballTransfers places his Estimated Transfer Value at €70.3 million.

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