Rio Ferdinand has made clear he is sure Manchester United remained resolute and did not 'buckle' during the negotiations for Bryan Mbeumo's transfer from Brentford. The ex- United defender believes the club's hierarchy stood firm on their valuation for Mbeumo , which is what led to prolonged discussions. The Cameroon international is poised to join United after Brentford accepted a bid worth up to £71million over the weekend. Ferdinand suggests United's refusal to meet Brentford's initial demands for the 25-year-old was a strategic move to secure the player at a fair price. On his YouTube channel Rio Presents , the 46-year-old said: "I think the Mbeumo deal, I think Man United in past years would have buckled and just given Brentford exactly what they wanted. "I think this one they didn't. I think they stood firm and said, 'Listen, we're not going to move. We've got other targets and we'll go to them, we're willing to wait but we're not going to budge on the number.'" Reflecting on how United's transfer dealings used to go down, Ferdinand added: "I think before, the old regime would have buckled and just said, 'We'll give you what you want and paid over the odds,' like we have with numerous players over the years. "So I think yes, it did take longer than we thought or expected or anticipated, but it got done and I think it was nearer to the price that Man United wanted to pay rather than what Brentford were trying to ask for and demand. So in that sense I'd say that's good." The Premier League legend is among the few who support United's drawn-out pursuit of Mbeumo, which took over six weeks to finalise. The lengthy negotiations left many fans exasperated as Mbeumo turned down interest from clubs like Arsenal , Newcastle United , and Tottenham Hotspur , setting his sights on a move to Manchester instead. Even Mbeumo's soon-to-be team-mates weighed in on the duration of the transfer, with Leny Yoro sharing the dressing room's thoughts on the new addition. Following United's goalless draw with Leeds United in their pre-season friendly on Saturday, the French defender expressed his enthusiasm for the club's impending signing. "Bryan is a really good player, I am really happy he has come to the club," Yoro told United's Scandinavian Supporters' Club. "That is my guy. I am waiting for him now! That was long, that was long, but he is here now and I'm really happy!"