Bryan Mbeumo’s future is the next big agenda on Manchester United’s transfer wishlist, which has been complicated by developments over at Tottenham.
What once looked like a matter of “when”, not “if”, is suddenly not so straightforward anymore after Thomas Frank became Spurs head coach.
Bryan Mbeumo’s Man Utd preference was clear from the start, but the appointment of his former coach at Brentford complicated things.
Mbeumo has now backed Frank for success at his new club while addressing the transfer speculation he’s at the centre of.
Thomas Frank, Manager of Brentford talks with Bryan Mbeumo of Brentford following the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brentford
Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images
Bryan Mbeumo on Thomas Frank and transfer rumours
For Bryan Mbeumo, this level of media scrutiny is not normal since he came from understated surroundings to prove himself at Brentford in two divisions.
However, after his breakout season in 2024/25, not only is he Man Utd’s prime target, but Spurs are also ramping up their interest.
United seemed to have a clear path to him after he chose the club, but now that Frank is at Spurs with Champions League football in London, the decision isn’t so easy anymore.
Mbeumo spoke to Sky Sports (via Manchester Evening News) before the Canadian Grand Prix and backed Frank to achieve success at his new club.
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He said: “He has done so much for me. He has trusted me from the start, developed the team so well, developed me as a human and a player so much and I wish him all the best and wish he is going to do well.
“He knows everything. He is really smart, he knows where he wants to bring the team and how he wants to play and he has been fantastic for Brentford.
“He is going to have some time to adapt. He will have more games and more expectation but I am sure he is going to do well.”
Mbeumo was then asked about the transfer speculation surrounding his future. He admitted it’s “new” to him but he’s learning to accept it.
He said: “It is new for me but it can be the life of a footballer so you need to accept it.”
Man Utd can’t be complacent with Bryan Mbeumo chase
Sometimes, it’s easy to sit back and relax in a transfer when you know that the player has made it clear he’s not going anywhere else.
However, the transfer window can change quickly and a week is a long time in football.
At the start of June, Mbeumo to United seemed locked in despite a bid being rejected but developments at Spurs make them a genuine option now.
Now that the transfer window has re-opened, United need to wrap this move up quickly while they’re ahead in the race instead of dithering.
Not only will that avoid the possibility of any unwanted surprises if Mbeumo’s head is turned by Spurs and Frank, but it will also allow United to move forward with their search for a striker.