Manchester United's ability to clinch the signatures of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo has massively improved the options at Ruben Amorim’s disposal ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
After taking the reins back in November, the Red Devils only managed to score 32 times in their 27 Premier League outings, highlighting the need for new additions within attacking areas.
The new attacking duo managed to score 35 top-flight goals combined last season, with such records leading to the pair’s big-money additions to Old Trafford.
Cunha-Mbeumo
Both deals set them back a combined £133.5m, including add-ons, which will undoubtedly place pressure on the pair to hit the ground running in their debut years in the North West.
However, if they are to succeed in their new colours, the hierarchy will have to make further additions to help provide the duo with the chances to find the back of the net.
The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer
The midfield department has been subject to interest as of late, with numerous big-money options being considered by the recruitment team over recent days.
Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba are the two players who have been largely linked with a move to join United, but either would cost a pretty penny - given their £100m valuations.
adam-wharton-palace
However, another name has been thrown into the mix over recent days, with Barcelona star Fermin Lopez another option for the hierarchy, according to one Spanish outlet.
They claim the Red Devils have already made a €80m (£69m) offer to the LaLiga giants over a move for the 22-year-old, who made 46 appearances across all competitions last season.
It also states that he has been impressed by the ambition of the club, potentially wanting a move to join Amorim’s side, given his lack of reassurance over a regular role under Hansi Flick in Spain.
Why United’s £69m target would be perfect for Mbeumo & Cunha
Bruno Fernandes has for so often been the main creative presence in the United side, as seen by his tally of 19 assists across all competitions in 2024/25 - the highest of any member of the first-team squad.
Bruno-Fernandes-24-25-stats-timeless
However, the deals for Cunha and Mbeumo would likely force the Portuguese international to drop into a deeper role and occupy one of the two central midfield positions.
Given the unfamiliar role he will have to operate, it’s key that the board provide the captain with a top-level player alongside him to help take the creative pressure off his shoulders.
Whilst Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro all remain at the club, further depth is being targeted, which could allow a move for Lopez before the September 1st transfer deadline.
The Spaniard may be a young talent, but he’s already racked up 88 senior appearances for Barcelona in the last two years - helping the club win Spain’s top-flight last campaign.
Fermin Lopez
He registered nine assists across all competitions, with such figures aiding Cunha and Mbeumo, but his underlying stats further showcase the creativity he possesses.
Lopez, who’s been dubbed “incredible” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, completed 5.7 progressive passes per 90, 4.7 of which were into the final third, handing the new additions the chance to thrive within attacking areas in their first season at the club.
Fermín López's stats for Barcelona in LaLiga (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Pass accuracy
Progressive passes
Passes into final third
Shots taken
Take-ons completed
Tackles won
Key passes made
Recoveries made
Stats via FBref
Further talent on the ball is reflected in his tally of 2.1 key passes made per 90, subsequently able to consistently get the ball into dangerous areas for the aforementioned duo.
However, as previously mentioned, he will need to be capable without the ball to offer that deep-lying presence, but it shouldn’t be an issue if he can replicate his figures of winning 1.4 tackles per 90 and 4.7 recoveries per 90 from last season.
Whilst £69m would be another huge sign of ambition from the hierarchy, it would be a deal that could prove to be worthwhile if the youngster can continue on his current trajectory.
If he can provide Cunha and Mbeumo with the ammunition in front of goal and regain possession for the side in the middle of the park, there’s no reason as to why he can’t become a fan-favourite in the club’s hunt for success in the near future.