Manchester United will have to pay up for Bryan Mbeumo or walk away from the deal empty-handed.
Ineos have been determined to stop Manchester United overpaying for players in the transfer window, but they have put themselves in a very difficult position with Bryan Mbeumo.
United’s talks for Mbeumo have lasted over a month, and now fans are growing frustrated that the club are yet to reach an agreement for the 25-year-old star.
David Ornstein’s latest report is that United are still not close to Mbeumo as Brentford are holding out for close to £70m for the forward.
With just days to go until United fly out for their 2025 pre-season tour of the United States, Ineos find themselves at a transfer crossroads.
Bryan Mbeumo in action against Manchester United.
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
Bryan Mbeumo training return gives Brentford transfer power
Last week marked the start of pre-season training for many top-flight clubs, including both United and Brentford.
Mbeumo was not spotted in training at Brentford in their first week of pre-season preparation, but he has now made his return.
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Brentford shared a video on social media of Mbeumo returning to training. Last month, Brentford director Phil Giles insisted Mbeumo is “happy to stay” if a United move collapses, and his return to training will understandably make fans nervous.
Throughout the summer, it has been made clear that Mbeumo wants to join United, but as time ticks on with no agreement in sight, it is looking more and more likely that he could stay put.
Mbeumo’s decision to return to training gives Brentford all the negotiating power they need – they can now stick stubbornly to their £70m asking price and all of the pressure is on Ineos.
Man United told unwanted players not to return to training
Unlike Mbeumo and Brentford, United adopted a completely different stance on players returning to training.
Before pre-season had even begun, Amorim told five players not to return as they wouldn’t be part of his plans for the 2025/26 season.
The Athletic report that those five players – which includes Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho – have been asked to only arrive at Carrington beyond 5pm once the first team has finished their session.
United have weakened their transfer position by making it blindingly clear that these players have no future at Old Trafford.
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Interested clubs are now not willing to meet United’s asking prices, knowing that Ineos will have to slash their demands as the window ticks on.
No one can blame Amorim for wanting to force players out of the club, but the way in which it has been handled has made it even more difficult to sell unwanted stars.