Bryan Mbeumo in action for Brentford against Manchester United.
Bryan Mbeumo (centre) is on Manchester United's radar.
Slowly but surely an image of how Manchester United could line up at the start of next season is developing.
Just over a week into the first stage of the summer transfer window and United have already wrapped up the signing of Wolves star Matheus Cunha. They have now set their sights on attempting to lure Brentford ace Bryan Mbeumo to Old Trafford as well.
To say United have made an ambitious start to head coach Ruben Amorim's first summer at the helm is an understatement. Cunha has arrived in M16 on the back of a 17-goal season in all competitions and Mbeumo netted 20 goals in the Premier League in 2024/25.
Identified as a top target several months ago, Cunha has arrived at Old Trafford with the task of almost certainly filling the left-sided No.10 position. If Mbeumo is successfully drafted in, it is thought he will occupy the right-sided No.10 position.
United have finished each of the last two Premier League campaigns with a negative goal difference, meaning their decision to try and bolster their attack as their first port of call this summer is a wise one.
Cunha, and possibly Mbeumo, would immediately add the goals that have been missing in previous seasons. Between them, they have plundered 56 goals between them since the beginning of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign.
In addition to adding goals to the team, Cunha and Mbeumo would also strengthen the levels of competition for places. Despite Amorim often struggling to find a consistent and productive attack this term, it was not through a lack of options.
United have a cluster of players who are capable of playing in either of the two No.10 positions: Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Alejandro Garnacho, Joshua Zirkzee, Cunha and Amad.
With Garnacho facing the prospect of being sold and Fernandes looking increasingly likely to be deployed as a No.8 next season amid Cunha's arrival, the size of that list will reduce, meaning Mainoo, Mount, Zirkzee, Cunha, Amad and potentially Mbeumo will all be challenging to start in the two No.10 positions.
Bryan Mbeumo would be an excellent signing for Manchester United. (Image: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images.)
Of course, each of those players are versatile to some degree but the majority will believe that is their best position in Amorim's 3-4-2-1 system.
If Mbeumo signs, Amad is highly likely to be installed as United's first-choice right wing-back and operate from out wide. However, Mainoo and Mount will be less assured of regular starting berths.
Mainoo has struggled to force his way into the starting XI this calendar year, with his one-minute cameo against Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final feeling rather telling about where he currently sits in Amorim's plans.
Meanwhile, Mount started the last four games of the season, including the Europa League final. Amorim is a massive fan of the former Chelsea man.
"I'm so happy for him," Amorim said after Mount scored twice in United's 4-1 win over Athletic Club last month. "He is such a player. He works really hard, he has quality.
"When you see that kind of guy like Mason working hard every day, eating well, having ice baths, when you have this kind of player you just want to help him."
Ruben Amorim (left) is a huge Mason Mount fan. (Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images.)
The fact he started the final four games of the season as one of the two No.10s confirmed once and for all just how highly Amorim rates him. Injuries, however, plagued his first two seasons at the club, restricting him to just 46 appearances across all competitions.
Well-versed in a three at the back formation from his Chelsea days, it is understandable why Amorim is so fond of the 26-year-old. He is a tailor-made fit for his system and his understanding of what to do and where to be when United don't have possession is admirable.
However, if United land Mbeumo, it is hard to see where Mount fits into Amorim's first-choice starting XI. Mbeumo and Cunha would occupy the two spots reserved for the No.10s and Mount is not a central-midfielder in this system.
Competition for places is healthy and should never be frowned upon, but one of Amorim's most valued players may have to settle for a place on the bench.