While the pursuit of Manchester United for a striker continues, Rio Ferdinand was adamant.
Rio Ferdinand has confidently concluded any suggestion that Manchester United will make a movement for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. The Red Devils have made no secret about their desire to strengthen their forward line.
They have already brought Matheus Cunha in for £ 62.5 million and recently unveiled £ 71 million that Bryan Mbeumo signed. However, the Red Devils are still looking for a new Center-Forward, two seasons after explaining £ 72 million on Rasmus Hojlund.
RB Leipzig Vooruit Benjamin Sesko has been a target, while Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa has emerged as the last priority. In and under the latest reports, Mateta is also linked to Old Trafford in the past.
But when the possibility that the Frenchman moved to United was advertised to Ferdinand, the Premier League legend immediately closed the possibility. Speaking at his Rio Ferdinand Presents Show, the former and England captain answered: “We don't draw Mateta. Believe me.”
United was told in March that Mateta would reduce them £ 40 million. Reports from L'Equipe at that time also claimed that the Red Devil had opened conversations with the Eagles about a movement for the 28-year-old.
However, the rumors have since been equipped, with United looking at other goals apparently. They have already seen movements for people like Liam Delap, Hugo Ekitike and Viktor Gyokeres fail, member of Rivals Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal.
Mateta struggled when he first started in Palace, but was one of the most dangerous attackers of the Premier League since Oliver Glasner took over. Under the Austrian manager he has contributed 30 goals and five assists in 59 performances in all competitions.
For whatever reason, United looks somewhere else looking. Ferdinand follows United's pre-season tour through the US, where they recently defeated West Ham 2-1 in the Premier League Summer Series.
Although the memories of last season's disastrous campaign are still fresh, Ferdinand has seen some positive signs this summer. So far comments on the transfer window of United, he added: “For me personally I hope more than anything.
“There is nothing yet to give me faith. I have to see it. The belief is that we have two good signing sessions that the Premier League know. That's nice, that's good, that's necessary.
“Again, I think we probably need one or two more to go into the season and go:” Listen, I am convinced that we can now end in the top eight. ” At the moment I am thinking there: “There is a lot of hangover last season.”
“If you actually start digging in last season, it starts to depress me. But the new signing sessions give you a little hope. If you are on tour, you can get a different perspective.
“It guides you and you are now going:” Oh, I can see them work, I can see some positive things, the team is together, the manager gets time with the team. ” I am looking for positives. “