Manchester United’s transfer window got a boost when links to Bryan Mbeumo began turning concrete after securing Matheus Cunha’s transfer.
The need for attacking reinforcements at Manchester United was clear as day after an anaemic season.
Regardless of who the manager was, the team wasted bucketloads of chances and it was a major reason why they finished trophyless and 15th.
While Matheus Cunha’s 15 Premier League goals will help, Bryan Mbeumo is an even better signing, having scored 20 and assisted eight for Brentford.
Here’s all you need to know about Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, the man who set the Premier League alight and could have easily been a replacement for Mohamed Salah.
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Bryan Mbeumo to Man Utd transfer latest
United’s links to Mbeumo have developed extremely quickly, from signing Cunha to becoming public that the Cameroon international wants to come to Old Trafford.
Not only did he make his choice clear, he did so while having the option to join teams like Arsenal and Newcastle United.
In the process, he would have impressed Ruben Amorim, although the difficult part is now set to be addressed.
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Brentford are notoriously difficult to deal with and will likely demand a fee in the region of what United paid for Cunha since Mbeumo is a player in a similar bracket.
Then, Mbeumo’s wage demands have been dominating the discussion but it’s fair to assume that if he only wants United, then personal terms won’t be a problem.
Amorim would like him to be with the team by the time pre-season begins so he can start working on attacking rotations, which threaten to leave Amorim’s favourite on the fringes of the squad.
Who is Bryan Mbeumo?
Mbeumo is the quintessential success story of Brentford’s scouting network, having been plucked from France as a teenager before setting the Premier League alight.
He joined when Brentford were in the Championship but made the step up to the Premier League remarkably well considering he came to England as a youngster.
He played football for France at the academy level before going on to represent Cameroon, something which leaves United with a future dilemma, including two of his teammates.
The 2024/25 season was his breakout, hitting 20 league goals, but it is unlikely to be a false dawn.
Mbeumo was threatening to break out in previous seasons but the limelight was with the likes of Ivan Toney or Yoanne Wissa, while Mbeumo kept working hard in the background.
After emerging as a genuinely talismanic figure in 2024/25, as evidenced via stats by Sofascore, he’s made the statement choice of wanting to sign for the most scrutinised club in England.
Bryan Mbeumo 2024/25 stats in all competitions
Bryan Mbeumo 2024/25 stats
It speaks volumes about his mentality.
How old is Bryan Mbeumo?
Mbeumo is 25 years old at the time of writing, turning 26 on August 7. Just like Cunha, he is at the sweet spot of not being a raw player while still having time to develop. United will arguably see him play out his peak at Old Trafford.
Bryan Mbeumo height
Mbeumo is a fine example of brains over brawns as, despite standing at just 5’6″, his understanding of spaces and physical ability is second to none.
He is not an aerial monster for obvious reasons, but he uses his strength well enough to put defenders off in duels, while his dribbling and finishing take care of the rest.
Who has Bryan Mbeumo been compared to? How good is he?
Man Utd fans might not like it but it’s undeniable that Mohamed Salah is one of the greatest forwards of the Premier League era.
What they will like a lot is that Mbeumo was once a Salah replacement in Jamie Carragher’s eyes, so convinced was he of the Cameroonian’s ability.
Just like Salah, Mbeumo is a left-footed right-winger who likes to cut inside and take shots to test the keeper.
Playing with Toney earlier has also forced him to be more than just a finisher, as evidenced by his crossing stats. He crossed the most in the Premier League in 2024/25, something which should be music to Rasmus Hojlund’s ears, if he stays.
Salah is not renowned for his defensive work but Mbeumo is a hardworking demon in that regard as well, something which is non-negotiable in Thomas Frank’s system.
He is in the 94th percentile of attackers in terms of clearing the ball so he could be a sneaky wing-back option for Amorim as well, interchanging between him and Amad.
Bryan Mbeumo wages
Mbeumo currently earns around £50k/week at Brentford and his wages have been a hot topic of discussion.
It has been reported that he’s seeking a five-time increase on it if he joins United which is unlikely to be the case since Ineos have been responsible with the structure.
His wages are likely to be similar to Cunha’s, who’s supposedly signed for around £200k/week, with UCL incentives taking it higher, if applicable.
That’s not a bad investment for a player who has proven he can score 20 league goals in a team that is generally the underdog.