The summer is already heating up at Old Trafford, with Manchester United facing a pivotal rebuild if they are to challenge for major honours again. Following a season marked more by inconsistency than triumph, the urgency to make smart, swift signings is paramount, and the club hierarchy is fully aware of it.
They’ve made a quick start: Matheus Cunha has already put pen to paper and is officially a Red, a move executed with notable efficiency. But the work is far from over. Now, Bryan Mbeumo has now surfaced as United’s next top target. The Brentford forward, admired for his versatility and output, has drawn attention from several clubs, but United appear to be leading the chase.
Former England striker and respected pundit Ian Wright shared his thoughts on the potential transfer during his podcast Wrighty’s House [via TBR Football](https://tbrfootball.com/ian-wright-predicts-exactly-what-will-happen-to-bryan-mbeumo-if-he-now-signs-for-man-united/). Wright described Mbeumo as one of the most underrated forwards in the league and believes that the move to Manchester United could elevate the Cameroonian’s game even further, especially under the spotlight and pressure of Old Trafford.
Will Bryan Mbeumo sign for Manchester United?
> “When you saw it, like obviously Ivan Toney took all the plaudits at Brentford, but when you watched him then and watched the, you’re looking at it now and it’s more consistent, and you think, yeah. It’s the only thing I’m surprised about with him, is that he’s only 26. You know something, if he goes to United I think that he’s somebody that, if he gets in the moments that he’s had for Brentford, for United, he will then realise where he is. Because he goes to another level with the attention from United.”
I agree with Ian Wright, though only to an extent. Bryan Mbeumo certainly possesses quality and a touch of unpredictability that can trouble defenders, but he still needs to show he can consistently perform in a team with high expectations and daily pressure.
That said, Rúben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system, which he implemented last season and is likely to continue with, could be a perfect fit for Mbeumo. Rather than playing as an out-and-out winger, Mbeumo would likely thrive as one of the two attacking midfielders tucked in behind the central striker, where his movement, creativity, and instinct for space could make a real impact.
At 25, Mbeumo offers a versatile attacking profile, capable of exploiting space, operating between the lines, linking play, or stretching defences down the wing. With a creative partner like Bruno Fernandes alongside him, Mbeumo would enjoy more freedom than he has at Brentford. However, his success at Manchester United will largely depend on his mental consistency and ability to handle the pressure that comes with playing at Old Trafford. In terms of valuation, Brentford are unlikely to let him go for anything less than £45–50 million. Given his Premier League experience, attacking prowess, and positional flexibility, that price tag seems justified. He’s not a bargain, but he’s also far from a gamble.
There’s also a broader narrative to consider: how this signing could reshape Manchester United’s image in the transfer market. Over the years, too many high-profile targets have either slipped away or failed to deliver upon arrival. Securing Mbeumo now would send a clear message, United mean business. Outmanoeuvring a rival like Newcastle would further strengthen their negotiating reputation. The question is: can they get it done? If they move with precision and urgency, the answer is yes. Amorim doesn’t need marquee names—he needs players who fit the system. If United act decisively, this window could signal a real turning point in their rebuild.