According to a report by FootballTransfers, on Wednesday October 21, 2026, Manchester United great Rio Ferdinand says he is disappointed his former club did not sign midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who joined Manchester City for a reported €95 million during the summer transfer window.

The 19-year-old Morocco international had attracted United’s interest after impressing at Lille, where he made 96 first-team appearances. City signed him as part of a major midfield rebuild, alongside Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernández.

Bouaddi has started only three matches since arriving at the Etihad, but Ferdinand was impressed by his substitute appearance against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

“I’m so gutted we missed out,” Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel. He praised Bouaddi’s composure under pressure and suggested the young midfielder could eventually outshine his new teammates.

Ferdinand said United had pursued the player but were put off by the transfer fee. Bouaddi is under contract with City for more than five years.