Bryan Mbeumo is increasingly likely to join Matheus Cunha at Man United this summer, marking the beginning of new chapters for the pair of them.
Matheus Cunha tries to shield possession from Bryan Mbeumo.
Bryan Mbeumo (left) is set to join Matheus Cunha at Manchester United.
(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images.)
Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Ince is encouraged by the club's decision to swoop for Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo this summer - but has warned the pair that they will require more than just talent to succeed.
After wrapping up the signing of Cunha from Wolves for £62.5million earlier this month, United are now understood to be closing in on Brentford star Mbeumo after submitting an offer in excess of £60m earlier this week.
The Cameroonian scored 20 Premier League goals for the Bees last season, meaning he would be another statement signing if the Reds get the deal over the line.
Ince, who was speaking ahead of the Manchester #RifeDontMiss Challenge, which is offering the opportunity to win £50,000 and break the world record for the longest putt at American Golf Trafford at the beginning of next month, believes United are trying to correct their recent recruitment failings by going for the duo.
"I think the proof has been in the pudding in the last few years," Ince told the Manchester Evening News, reflecting on United's recent recruitment errors. "The last seven, eight, nine years at Man United have not been great. The recruitment has been very, very poor, and we are all aware of that.
"But that is what happens when you keep chopping and changing managers and haven't got the right people behind the scenes doing the right jobs in the right way. Hopefully now, with Jason Wilcox on board, that can change."
Addressing how Cunha and Mbeumo will experience a different level of expectations in comparison to what they have been used to previously, Ince continued: "You have to be a certain player to play at Man United week-in, week-out. Mentally, it has affected a lot of players; they have not been able to deal with the expectation of being at one of the biggest clubs in the world.
"I have seen a lot of players come and go that can't deal with the pressure of playing for the biggest club in the world. It is not just about their talent and their performances, it is about can they deal with the pressures of playing for Manchester United, and that is the most important thing.
A golf ball is placed down in front of a club.
The RIFE Don't Miss Challenge will take place in Manchester on July 4.
(Image: RIFE Don’t Miss Challenge.)
"This is where their character comes into question, their personality, their mentality and all those types of things. Leadership qualities are another and they have gone quite amiss nowadays in football."
Meanwhile, Ince, who played for United between 1989 and 1995, has admitted Cunha reminds him of former teammate Eric Cantona.
"I think it's a good signing," added Ince. "If you look at his form last season at Wolves, at times, it was probably like a one-man team. I think he can only help United going forward.
"I still have a doubt about his disciplinary action. In a way, he reminds me of Cantona, just in the fact he has got that fiery temper and is always playing on the edge. But he is also a very talented player."
Paul Ince spoke ahead of the Manchester #RifeDontMiss Challenge, celebrating the launch of the new RIFE Black Edition putters. To register for the final qualifier and be in with a chance of winning £50,000, sign up here.