BBC SPORT | Football | Teams | Man Utd | Rio 'lured during World Cup'

Rio Ferdinand was persuaded to join Manchester United during his time at the World Cup, according to Leeds United chairman Peter Ridsdale.

As soon as Rio started playing well everyone started linking him to Manchester United

Peter Ridsdale

The defender completed his �30m move to Old Trafford on Monday after weeks of speculation suggesting the deal was imminent.

And Ridsdale insists that he had no idea Ferdinand was considering leaving Elland Road before heading to Japan.

Man Utd seal Rio deal

"I had no inkling whatsoever that Rio would not be a Leeds United player when he came back from the World Cup," Ridsdale told BBC Radio Five Live.

"It was only through the press speculation that it became clearer and clearer that, for whatever reason, his mind was being turned to perhaps leave us.

"I can't say that for a fact because I didn't go, but as soon as Rio started playing well everyone started linking him to Manchester United.

"You can make of that what you will."

Peter Ridsdale
Ridsdale has defended the sale of Rio Ferdinand
Former Leeds manager David O'Leary, who was replaced by Terry Venables last month, was criticised for his account of the Ferdinand transfer.

"David O'Leary told the plc board that if we received a bid of �30m or more he would recommend that we took it, because you couldn't turn down a bid of that magnitude for any player," said Ridsdale.

"David then said that if that happened he would be at one with the board and would make a public statement.

"Regrettably, he's never done that publicly since that board meeting.

Ridsdale defends Rio sale

"Given that there are five others who will confirm exactly what I've just said to you, we're disappointed that David appears to be suggesting publicly something was that clearly not said at that board meeting."

The Leeds chairman refused to criticise Lee Bowyer after the midfielder saw a move to Anfield fall through, but admitted the club need either a commitment from the player or a transfer fee.

"Any player who doesn't want to leave, you hope might sign a longer term contract, rather than put us in a position where we have to see them walk out the door for nothing," said Ridsdale.

"I'm disappointed from the club's point of view that he either won't sign a longer term contract, or that we don't get a fee for him.

"But at the end of the day he's got every right under his contract to remain with us another 12 months."