‘i love Brighton but I’ll join Man United On one condition’ – Evan Ferguson’s shocking stance on Man United transfer after offer was ‘laughed off’

‘i love Brighton but I’ll join Man United On one condition’ – Evan Ferguson’s shocking stance on Man United transfer after offer was ‘laughed off’

Manchester United spent much of the summer window chasing a striker, ultimately settling on £72m Rasmus Hojlund, but Brighton’s Evan Ferguson was a name on their radar

Evan Ferguson reached the conclusion that staying at Brighton would be better for his development than joining Manchester United.

Still a month shy of his 19th birthday, Ferguson has emerged as one of the most exciting strikers in European football.

Under the tutelage of Roberto De Zerbi, he already has four goals in five Premier League games this season – a tally only bettered by Erling Haaland.

Ferguson now looks primed to become the latest mega-money star from the staggering Brighton talent factory. And there is a feeling that he could yet top the British record £115million Moises Caicedo commanded when he left for Chelsea during the summer window.

But the Seagulls are willing to play the long game with Ferguson, with CEO Paul Barber recently hinting they want him to stay another five years before they look to cash in. That is unlikely to detract suitors, though, with clubs across the continent weighing up their options.

United are one of those that would like to snag the teenage prodigy, having already fluffed their lines on multiple occasions.

The first chance came before Ferguson’s breakthrough at Brighton, when the Red Devils failed to secure him on youth terms after a trial.

Undeterred, reports claim United tried their luck during the summer transfer window launching a £50m bid prior to signing Rasmus Hojlund.

ESPN claim that offer was ‘laughed off’ by Brighton bosses, with United ultimately settling on a £72m fee for Hojlund, 20.

However, even if an offer was accepted, it is understood that the player believes staying at the Amex Stadium would be more beneficial to his long-term prospects.

The Athletic suggest concrete interest was never made clear to him, but the chance of playing regular football for an upwardly mobile side was more appealing.

Ferguson – who supported United growing up – signed a new long-term deal at the end of his breakthrough campaign earlier this year, with his manager later predicting he will become one of the league’s best strikers.

De Zerbi said: “He is only 18 but we have to control the age because he seems to not be a normal 18.

“He is a great player, he is already a great player and I think he will become one of the best players, the best strikers in the Premier League. And I would like if he can stay with us for a lot of years.”

It remains to be seen whether United will remain in the market for a centre forward next year, with Erik ten Hag very happy with the acquisition of Hojlund.

Asked whether he had any regrets about not signing Harry Kane specifically, he sharply said “no” before praising the young Dane.

“I think we’ve discussed it. I don’t think we have to repeat this bit. We are happy with Rasmus. In the first game, he was injured. He played against Arsenal, he’s had a start (against Brighton), and now we have to integrate him into the team. You can see he’s a big talent.”