Bryan Mbeumo now has his heart set on a move to Manchester United, with the Red Devils set to make a renewed bid for the Brentford star after an opening offer was rejected
20:25, 10 Jun 2025Updated 20:29, 10 Jun 2025
Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo looks on before the match during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Fulham FC at Gtech Community Stadium
(Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United are at a pivotal juncture in their pursuit of Brentford's star player, Bryan Mbeumo, this summer.
With transfer funds not exactly brimming at Old Trafford, the outcome could shape their other dealings in the upcoming months.
United's initial bid of £55million for the player was reportedly knocked back by Brentford. While another offer is rumoured to be on the cards, Ruben Amorim's squad should weigh up their options before making a countermove.
Despite a dismal 15th place finish in the Premier League and no European football next season, United still hold some aces.
The Athletic has reported that Mbeumo, who had his sights set on a Champions League club, now fancies a move to Old Trafford, despite interest from Arsenal and Newcastle.
Bryan Mbeumo of Brentford during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Manchester United FC at Brentford Community Stadium
(Image: Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
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This change of heart, after both clubs were linked with Mbeumo in January, tips the scales in United's favour.
Tottenham have also been mentioned as potential suitors, especially with rumours that Thomas Frank might take the reins in north London, but whispers suggest Mbeumo rates the United mission higher than Spurs' impending European escapade.
It echoes the swift signing of Wolves' standout player Matheus Cunha by Amorim. The Brazilian international was keen to play for United above all else next season, proving United still pack a punch in attracting top talent despite missing out on European action next season, reports the Mirror.
It's understood that the Bees are demanding a hefty £60m to let their player go, a steep price considering United already forked out £62.5m for Cunha. But if the Red Devils have their heart set on him, they might just have to bite the bullet.
United's alternative plan could be to fund the deal by saying goodbye to Alejandro Garnacho, which many reckon is a foregone conclusion this summer. Argentinian paper Ole has hinted that AC Milan have kicked off negotiations to sign Garnacho and are eyeing a deal worth £50m.
That's £15m shy of United's rumoured valuation of the lad, but it might be enough to sway them, given Amorim's rocky relationship with the 20-year-old.
Alejandro Garnacho #17 of Manchester United in action during the postseason friendly match between Manchester United and Hong Kong at Hong Kong Stadium
Alejandro Garnacho has posted another ill-advised social media post(Image: Getty Images)
That amount wouldn't quite cover the expense needed to bring in Mbeumo, who would add a bigger chunk to the wage bill. However, it's a handy way to offload one problematic player while signing what would essentially be his replacement.
The only snag is that Mbeumo mainly plays on the right wing, whereas most of Garnacho's time is spent more centrally and on the left. It also raises questions about what's planned for Cunha and whether he's meant to start up front, behind the striker or out wide.
Amad Diallo has just started finding his feet under Amorim, and he too mostly plays off the right. After years of battling injuries, managerial shake-ups and loan stints away from Old Trafford, it'd be a real pity to see the 22-year-old's progress stalled now.
However, United are in desperate need of immediate results and can't afford to gamble on future prospects. In that regard, Mbeumo would be a solid Premier League upgrade based on his recent performances.
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The Cameroon international wrapped up this season with 20 goals and eight assists, featuring in all of Brentford's 38 league matches. But he wouldn't be the first hefty signing to shine elsewhere before crumbling under the intense pressure at United.
The Red Devils will likely have to cough up a tidy sum regardless of how Mbeumo lands at the club. However, their financial juggling could significantly impact how much they can splash out on other areas this summer.