Manchester United’s summer pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo has lasted over a month and a half so far.
After a quick start to the summer that saw Matheus Cunha signed rapidly, the following 45 days or so have been spent negotiating to sign the Brentford forward.
Manchester United’s efforts to sign Bryan Mbeumo have consumed the entire recruitment team it would appear, making it impossible for other deals to be worked on at the same time.
The Mbeumo saga has lasted for a long time, far too long, and the most recent updates around the deal suggested a deal remains far from completion.
Due to this, United should be considering ending the pursuit if they don’t have the means to pay Brentford’s more than reasonable demands.
In this event, there are alternatives for United to consider.
Omari Hutchinson holding U21 European Championship trophy.
Photo by Tullio Puglia – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Omari Hutchinson
The first name that the club should be looking at to sign instead of Mbeumo is Ipswich Town’s Omari Hutchinson.
Hutchinson is Brentford’s Mbeumo replacement and so United could go straight to the source instead if the deal for the Cameroonian falls apart.
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The 21-year-old had an impressive season for Ipswich and has earned himself a move back to the Premier League. While not at a level right now which makes him an immediate starter, Hutchinson would be an interesting option for United as a back-up with the view to playing more minutes in the future.
Best part is he would likely cost just £20m.
Francisco Trincao
Another option for the right sided number 10 position should be Sporting CP and Portugal forward, Francisco Trincao.
Having already played under Amorim, the attacker would be a good fit for the system, while he is said to have had a great relationship with the head coach.
Cristiano Ronaldo advised Trincao to join United and so he would likely be open to the move.
Igor Paixao
One of the most exciting options on the list is Brazilian Igor Paixao who currently plays for Feyenoord in the Netherlands.
Paixao is the perfect Mbeumo alternative, and last season he scored 18 and assisted 19 across all competitions for the Dutch side.
He shows all the signs of being a top Premier League player, although United may be wary considering previously being stung by Brazilian Eredivisie forwards.
Tyler Dibling
One Premier League based option for United could be Southampton’s shining light last season, Tyler Dibling.
The wonderkid had a breakout campaign despite the Saints being the worst team in the league, which saw the relegated club set a £100m price tag on his head.
However, now United believe his asking price will be just £50m this summer and view him as a market opportunity.
United have enquired about Dibling, and he would be one for the future, but also for the now as he could step up given the chance to play for a bigger team.
Christopher Nkunku
The final option on the list is Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku who is quickly losing his place in Enzo Maresca’s world champions squad.
United have considered signing Nkunku this summer, however, it isn’t a move that fans would be overjoyed by and feels very much like a fall-back option this summer.
If United can’t sign Mbeumo, maybe an August loan move for Nkunku makes sense to allow funds to go elsewhere without being tied to the Frenchman.