Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has voiced his disappointment after the Red Devils missed the opportunity to sign highly-rated right-back Jeremie Frimpong, who recently completed a sensational move to Premier League rivals Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen.
Ferdinand, who spent over a decade marshalling United’s defence during one of their most successful periods under Sir Alex Ferguson, made the revelation during a new episode of Rio Ferdinand Presents. The former England international admitted that watching Frimpong join a direct rival was painful, especially given the player’s suitability for the tactical system incoming manager Rúben Amorim is expected to implement at Old Trafford.
“It Hurts to See Frimpong Join Liverpool” – Ferdinand
Ferdinand didn’t hold back when asked about Manchester United’s lack of urgency in the transfer market, particularly regarding the Netherlands international, who had long been linked with a move to Old Trafford.
“Frimpong is going to Liverpool, which will hurt me a little bit. I’ve got to be honest,” Ferdinand said candidly. “I think he would fit the way that Rúben Amorim wants to play perfectly. He’s quick, aggressive, and makes things happen going forward.”
The 24-year-old Frimpong was a standout performer during Bayer Leverkusen’s historic 2024/25 season, helping the German side clinch their first-ever Bundesliga title. His attacking prowess, combined with defensive discipline, made him one of the most sought-after full-backs in Europe. With 14 goal contributions (7 goals and 7 assists) in all competitions, his dynamic style caught the attention of top clubs, including United.
Frimpong’s Link to United: A Longstanding Transfer Rumour
Manchester United had been closely monitoring Frimpong for several months, especially as the club looked to reinforce the right-back position amid uncertainty over the future of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot. Reports from Germany and England throughout the spring had suggested United were leading the race for Frimpong’s signature, with scouts regularly attending Leverkusen matches.
However, delays in managerial confirmation and a lack of concrete transfer movement saw Liverpool swoop in decisively, finalizing a deal believed to be worth around €40 million. The Merseyside club, under new head coach Arne Slot, wasted no time in securing a player who perfectly aligns with their high-pressing, fast-transition game.
A Tactical Fit Lost
Frimpong’s move to Liverpool is not just a blow in the transfer sense — it’s a strategic setback, according to Ferdinand. The former defender strongly believes that Frimpong could have been the perfect puzzle piece in Amorim’s system, known for using wing-backs effectively in a back-three formation.
“If there’s one thing about Amorim’s setup, it’s how vital the wing-backs are to his build-up play. Frimpong, with his energy, movement, and final delivery, would’ve slotted in perfectly,” Ferdinand explained. “This was a missed opportunity.”
Amorim, who enjoyed success with Sporting CP before agreeing to take charge at Old Trafford, favors a fluid 3-4-3 setup. The system requires full-backs who are comfortable in advanced positions and capable of contributing both defensively and offensively — attributes Frimpong possesses in abundance.
Ferdinand’s Frustration Grows Amid Other Transfer Misses
The Frimpong disappointment comes just weeks after Ferdinand publicly urged Manchester United to act boldly in the transfer market. On his show and across multiple platforms, Ferdinand highlighted a shortlist of players he believed would transform the team, including Victor Osimhen, Matheus Cunha, and Adam Wharton.
“I said it a few weeks back — we need players with purpose, intensity, and hunger,” Ferdinand emphasized. “Frimpong was on that list, and I still think United need to wake up before the top talent is gone.”
Manchester United fans have echoed similar frustrations on social media, with many questioning the club’s direction and hesitance in the market. With the Red Devils aiming to rebuild under Amorim after an underwhelming 2024/25 campaign, the failure to land priority targets could prove costly.
Liverpool’s Gain, United’s Setback
For Liverpool, the acquisition of Frimpong signals intent as they prepare for a new era post-Jürgen Klopp. Frimpong’s arrival is expected to inject energy and competition into the right-back role, traditionally dominated by Trent Alexander-Arnold. Some analysts suggest that Slot might even experiment with both players in a flexible system, allowing Frimpong to operate higher up the pitch.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are left scrambling for alternatives as the market heats up. With elite full-backs becoming increasingly scarce and expensive, missing out on a player of Frimpong’s caliber could have long-term consequences — both in terms of squad quality and rival reinforcement.
A Wake-Up Call for Old Trafford?
Ferdinand’s comments are not just emotional — they reflect a deeper concern about United’s recruitment strategy. The club, once famous for swift and effective transfer dealings, has in recent years become notorious for drawn-out negotiations and missing top targets.
“With a coach like Amorim coming in, we should be setting the tone early,” Ferdinand insisted. “We’ve got to support him with the right players. If we’re serious about rebuilding, we can’t let Liverpool outpace us like this.”
The pressure is now on Manchester United’s hierarchy to avoid further missteps as they look to back Amorim in what will be a pivotal summer window.
Conclusion
Rio Ferdinand’s heartfelt reaction to Jeremie Frimpong’s move to Liverpool underlines the growing concerns within the Manchester United community. With the Dutch defender now set to bolster a direct rival, United’s lack of decisive action in the transfer market is once again under scrutiny.
As Rúben Amorim prepares to shape his vision at Old Trafford, all eyes will be on the board to deliver the right tools for success. For now, though, the Frimpong saga stands as a painful reminder of what could have been — and a warning sign of what may come if things don’t change fast.
