Ferdinand urges United to move fast for Tchouameni after Anderson and Fernandes misses

Manchester United have been urged to act swiftly on Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouameni this summer after failing to land their top two midfield targets, with club legend Rio Ferdinand warning the club they “can’t afford to miss” on the France international.

United’s pursuit of Elliot Anderson ended when the midfielder joined Manchester City in a £116 million deal, while Tottenham are poised to complete an £85m move for West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, 21, having outbid United for his signature. Both deals were reported to have exceeded United’s available budget.

The club did complete the signing of Brazil international Ederson from Atalanta for £35m as a long-term replacement for Casemiro, but their failed bids for Anderson and Fernandes indicate further midfield reinforcement remains a priority. Michael Carrick had identified central midfield as the most urgent area to strengthen this window.

Ferdinand believes United are financially positioned to pursue Tchouameni and are waiting for Madrid to signal their willingness to sell. Speaking on his X account, the former United and England defender said: “I think Man United are holding the money back for one man, and that’s Tchouameni. If he becomes available in this market, Man United are not gonna miss — they can’t afford to miss with that one.”

The 26-year-old is regarded as one of the most complete midfielders in world football. Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported that Madrid “need exits” from a bloated squad this summer, raising the possibility that Tchouameni could be made available. Madrid are also reported to be pursuing Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, which could further influence their squad decisions.

It is not the first time Ferdinand has publicly lobbied for the move. Speaking earlier in the summer, he said: “If Tchouameni has half a sniff of getting out of that club, Man United have to be the first team at their door knocking and make sure he can’t even talk to anybody else. Get him signed, sealed, delivered.”

United’s summer business so far reflects the financial constraints the club are operating under, but Ferdinand’s comments suggest there is belief internally — and among former players — that a marquee midfield signing remains both necessary and achievable before the window closes.