Manchester United are locked in negotiations with Brentford for Bryan Mbeumo and that is the deal that could deliver the first verdict on Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s £70 million decision.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has not been an entirely popular figure among the Man Utd fans since Ineos took charge and his ruthlessness has ruffled many feathers.
United’s financial situation is an open secret, and the measures taken to improve it have made the part-owner the subject of ire.
At the same time, it is undeniable that his investment has effectively saved the club from being in a perilous position, and his £70m decision might end up becoming the biggest stroke of genius of all.
Photo by Lee Parker - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Lee Parker – CameraSport via Getty Images
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s £70m decision
Last summer was the first window overseen by Ineos since becoming part-owners of the club and it’s fair to say that they inherited a mess.
The Glazer era contracts for the likes of Jadon Sancho and Casemiro were a burden, while the figures involved in the transfers concluded prior to their arrival beggared belief.
At some point, it was necessary to put a stop to the bleeding, especially in terms of the quality that was at the club and the money paid to acquire it.
“United tax” had become a common phenomenon, with the clubs eager to rinse the club for their players because they knew United could be taken for a ride.
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The transfers of Harry Maguire, Antony, and Casemiro, to name a few had set a precedent but Ratcliffe was determined to break it.
All it took was one decision, which was to walk away from the pursuit of Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite when the asking price reached £70m.
United did make bids for the player and entered formal negotiations with Everton but once they realised that the numbers being thrown about were getting uncomfortable, they pivoted.
There was no bluffing. United refused to pay the “United tax” and moved elsewhere, signing Matthijs de Ligt instead for half that fee.
Bryan Mbeumo transfer will deliver first verdict
The ripple effect of that Branthwaite chase could be felt this summer because United have a good reputation to uphold now.
They need to lean into not paying whatever the asking club demands and instead, keeping a list of alternatives that strengthens their hand in negotiations.
There were no such worries with Matheus Cunha’s signing because he had a release clause but the negotiation team will be tested in the Mbeumo deal.
Mbeumo’s transfer is Jason Wilcox’s true test because all eyes will be on United whether they come out of the deal looking like winners or they get rinsed by Brentford.
The decision to snub and move on from Branthwaite last summer will deliver its first verdict this summer.