Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has admitted that he is “so gutted” his former club failed to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi over the summer.

The Morocco international was believed to be on Man Utd’s transfer radar following his sublime form at the World Cup, but they opted against finalising a deal and the 19-year-old eventually joined rivals Manchester City for €95 million instead.

Bouaddi was one of three high-profile midfield signings made by Enzo Maresca’s side before Deadline Day, alongside Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernandez, and he is widely regarded as one of the best prospects in world football after racking up 96 first-team appearances during his time at Lille.

The teenager has only started three games since his summer move to Man City, but he caught the eye during a substitute appearance versus Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last week, and he is expected to play a prominent role at the Etihad Stadium over the coming months.

Ferdinand labelled Bouaddi as one of his dream Man Utd signings before the Morocco star joined Man City, and he has now criticised his former club for failing to finalise a deal for the supremely talented 19-year-old.

Rio Ferdinand issues Ayyoub Bouaddi verdict

“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 told his YouTube channel.

“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.

“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.

“Man City have got that many games that then can share the load about. Because of his age you can just dip him in and out but sooner rather than later that’s not going to fly with him because he’s an incredible footballer.

“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 over five-and-a-half years remaining on his current Man City contract, and his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) stands at a career high of €70.3m.