Rio Ferdinand has urged Manchester United to sign French superstar Kylian Mbappe, who has also been heavily linked with Real Madrid.
As reported by Daily Mirror, Rio Ferdinand opined that Manchester United should make a move for Kylian Mbappe before the summer’s transfer window slams shut. The French prodigy has also been tailed by Real Madrid, who recently rebuffed links with him in an official statement.
Mbappe has the world at his feet while he is still in his teens. The 19-year-old has already enjoyed two spell binding seasons at the club level with AS Monaco and PSG. And, there was very little stopping him at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where he was one of the catalysts in France’s stirring triumph, with 4 goals and an assist.
The Golden Boy award in 2017 and the Young Player of the Tournament at the World Cup only further provide evidence as to why the likes of Real Madrid and other prominent clubs have been linked with him over the last two summers. But, Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester United should be part of the chasing pack for Mbappe.
Speaking on BBC’s World Cup panel in the aftermath of France’s 4-2 win over Croatia in the final, the Manchester United legend opined that Mbappe should be on his former club’s transfer wishlist this summer.
“He is a superstar. It wasn’t a shock for him to do that in a World Cup Final. He is the guy that Cristiano and Messi are handing the crown over to. He will be on the Ballon d’Or podium for the next 10 years. I hope my old club have got their cheque book out, saying ‘whatever it costs, we will pay it’.”
Ferdinand’s words definitely ring true in the sense that Manchester United could do with a player like Mbappe. In addition to already becoming a serial winner, the player will also be the kind of attacking reinforcement that the Red Devils have been yearning for for a long time – a naturally right-sides forward.
Real Madrid though, continue to be linked with the teenager, even though they have categorically denied the links. But, Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure earlier this month will have forced Los Blancos into the transfer market to bolster their attack, which makes Mbappe the perfect long-term target for Real Madrid.
But, while Real Madrid or, as Ferdinand suggested, Manchester United could certainly do with a player like Mbappe, it is highly unlikely that the Frenchman is headed anywhere other than PSG this summer. Les Parisiens are set to sign him permanently in a £166 million deal as part of the terms of their loan move from last summer.
PSG are unlikely to be bullied into selling Mbappe either, having escaped Financial Fair Play sanctions. So while many would agree with Rio Ferdinand that Mbappe would be an ideal signing for Manchester United, neither the Red Devils nor Real Madrid stand a realistic chance of landing him as of now.
