Bryan Mbeumo has told Brentford he only wants to join Manchester United this summer, with the Red Devils set to launch a third bid in excess of £60m in the coming days
13:07, 10 Jul 2025
Rio Ferdinand speaking on his podcast
Rio Ferdinand has had his say on Manchester United's pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo
Rio Ferdinand has called on Manchester United's hierarchy to hurry up and finalise a deal for Bryan Mbeumo to avoid an "egg on your face situation."
The Brentford star has been on United's radar since the market reopened, though the club are yet to meet the West London outfit's asking price for the 25-year-old. Reports indicate the Red Devils have already submitted two bids for the Cameroon attacker, both of which were turned down.
Now, sources suggest the powers that be at Old Trafford are preparing a third proposal worth over £60m as they aim to strengthen their attacking options for the 2025/26 campaign. Ferdinand, who spent over a decade at the club from 2002 to 2014, believes signing Mbeumo is essential if United want to avoid public embarrassment.
On his Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel, the ex-defender said: "David Ornstein, who's a friend of the channel, has reported that he [Mbeumo] has told Tottenham, he's told Brentford that he only wants to join Manchester United. So Man United and Brentford have to come together and find a way of... well, Man United have to find a way of meeting Brentford's valuation.
"I think the proposal is £55m with £7.5m add-ons. That doesn't seem to be enough, maybe, for Brentford, but I think Man United have to get this done. I think it's been in the news for far too long to get to a situation where you get to the end of the window and it doesn't happen.
"I think that would be a custard, egg on your face situation for Man United, unless they go and get someone else, another striker. Who have they got waiting in the wings as an alternative?
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Bryan Mbeumo in action with Brentford
Manchester United are working hard to land Bryan Mbeumo this summer(Image: Getty Images)
"We haven't heard, really, any other names that it seems to be getting close with. So, I'll be surprised if this deal doesn't go through, because Man United have been adamant. It's gone public, they've allowed that to happen, and they're in a position now where they've got to make a move to kind of get this over the line."
When discussing why Mbeumo would be such a suitable fit for United, Ferdinand added: "He fits the bill for me physically. He's dynamic, scores goals in the Premier League, knows the Premier League. Watch this space."
According to sources, Brentford are holding out for a fee surpassing £65m. Club director Phil Giles recently commented on the situation: "There is significant interest in Bryan.
Bryan Mbeumo smiles while wearing headphones
Manchester United is Mbeumo's preferred destination, but an exit is not guaranteed(Image: PA)
"His current preference has been well publicised. He had an unbelievable season, and we expected interest in him. From what I understand, he is also, if needs be, happy to stay at Brentford next year as well."
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"We've spoken to Bryan and his representatives. It's not a given that he's going to depart this summer. If we get the right offer, there is the potential for a deal to be done, but there is only so much we can say now on that."
Mbeumo had a stellar 2024/25 season for Brentford, tallying 20 goals and eight assists in 38 Premier League appearances. Though his contract runs through to next summer - with Brentford holding the option to extend for another year - the club are in no hurry to part ways unless their valuation is met.