Rúben Amorim didn’t come to [Manchester United](https://manunews.com/) to be ignored. He didn’t leave a well-run club like Sporting CP to walk into chaos, only to be greeted by a new version of the same inertia that has defined the post-Ferguson era at Old Trafford. But here we are — and the **Bryan Mbeumo saga is the perfect example** of how United are failing him already.
### Mbeumo Is the Perfect Fit
Let’s make this clear: **Bryan Mbeumo is exactly the player Manchester United need**. He just produced **20 goals and 7 assists in the Premier League**, putting Brentford in a strong spot in the table a year after losing Ivan Toney. Mbeumo was one of the best players in the league, a high-octane winger who can also play centrally, attack with both feet, and create goals out of nothing. At 25, he’s entering his prime. There is no ambiguity here. He would be one of United’s best players from day one.
### A Reasonable Fee for a Proven Star
And yet, **United are refusing to pay the price**.
Brentford’s valuation sits at **£62.5 million**, which is perfectly reasonable in today’s market. When **Dominic Solanke fetched more**, when clubs routinely spend £50 million-plus on backup defenders or teenage prospects, balking at that fee for a proven Premier League star is absurd.
### Symbol of a Larger Problem
This isn’t just about one deal. It’s about **what it symbolizes**. Rúben Amorim was hired to bring energy, modern ideas, and tactical clarity to United’s broken footballing identity. But what use is Amorim’s pressing system or vertical attack if United don’t get him the kind of wide forward who makes it all work?
### United Need Goals, and Mbeumo Provides Them
They need **goals, creativity, and dynamism**, and Mbeumo provides all three. He fits the profile better than any winger United currently have. He works harder off the ball than Jadon Sancho ever did. He’s more productive than Marcus Rashford has been for years. And unlike the bargain-bin options United have tried and failed with, **Mbeumo has actually proven it in this league**, at this level, over multiple seasons.
### Undermining Amorim Before He Even Starts
Dragging their feet over a few million pounds sends a message — **and not a subtle one**. It says United either don’t trust Amorim’s vision, or don’t care enough to back it. Either way, it’s an insult. Amorim was supposed to be a fresh start, a reason for optimism. Instead, **the club is already undermining him**, just like they’ve done with managers before.
### Time to Act Like a Serious Club
It’s not like United lack the resources. They are clearing players off the wage bill. They are backed by INEOS, who know what it takes to build high-performance organizations. If they truly want to turn the page, **this is the kind of deal they have to make** — swiftly, aggressively, and with intent.
Because if United really believe in Amorim, if they really want to compete with City, Arsenal, and Liverpool, they can’t keep playing cheap. **They have to act like a serious club**, and right now, they are doing the exact opposite.
### Mbeumo Is the Test
Bryan Mbeumo is the test. Rúben Amorim is watching. So are we.
**Joe Soriano** is the editor of _The Trivela Effect_ and a FanSided Hall of Famer who has covered world football since 2011. He’s led top digital communities like _The Real Champs_ (Real Madrid) and has contributed to sites covering Tottenham, Liverpool, Juventus, and Schalke. Joe’s work has appeared in _ESPN_, _Bleacher Report_, and _Sports Illustrated_. He also helped manage _NFL Spin Zone_ and _Daily DDT,_ covering the NFL and pro wrestling, respectively.