Mbeumo
Manchester United’s heavy spending last summer undoubtedly played a part in Michael Carrick’s ability to secure a top-three finish in the Premier League.
INEOS splashed out on over £200m worth of new additions 12 months ago to try and make the Red Devils a force to be reckoned with in England’s top-flight.
Such additions proved to be worth every penny, as Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko both netted double figures in goals throughout their debut campaigns at Old Trafford.
benjamin-sesko-man-utd
However, one other player managed to hit the ground running in Manchester, proving a lot of people wrong in the process.
Why Man United were right to spend £71m on Bryan Mbeumo
Many supporters of clubs across the Premier League raised their eyebrows last summer, as United paid a reported £71m to sign attacker Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford.
The Cameroonian international enjoyed his best campaign prior to his move to Old Trafford, netting 20 goals in the top-flight - but such a season was by far and away his best in England’s top-flight.
Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo reacts
Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo reacts
However, he made an immediate impact upon his move to Manchester, subsequently ending his debut campaign on 12 goals in just 34 appearances across all competitions.
He ended the league campaign tied on 11 goals with Sesko, with the 26-year-old forming an impressive partnership with the two other big-money summer additions.
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Man Utd top PL scorers in 2025/26
Player
1) Bryan Mbeumo
2) Benjamin Sesko
3) Matheus Cunha
4) Bruno Fernandes
5) Casemiro
6) Patrick Dorgu
Mbeumo registered the most shots on target of any player in Carrick’s squad, with his tally of 1.1 per 90 ranking him in the top 8% of all attackers in the division.
He also offered a constant threat when providing chances to his Red Devils teammates, subsequently completing 33% of the crosses he attempted - also placing him in the top 10% of wingers in the league.
The attacker has cemented his place as one of the club’s most important players, with Carrick no doubt relying on the forward to emulate his impressive form next term.
How Man United can land their next Mbeumo this summer
Despite the impact of the big-money trio at United last term, INEOS have been on the hunt to add further quality and depth into Carrick’s attacking department.
AC Milan winger Rafael Leão has emerged as one potential signing for the Red Devils, with the player’s agents in talks with the hierarchy over a move to Old Trafford.
rafael-leao-ac-milan
He’s not the only option currently under consideration, with Brentford striker Igor Thiago also mentioned as a transfer target for Carrick’s men this summer.
Journalist Ben Jacobs has provided the latest on the pursuit of the Brazilian, stating: “Igor Thiago is a name that has been discussed.
“He’s somebody that’s Premier League ready, but there’s nothing more than that at this stage. Internal talks have been held and a normal call to understand the player’s situation.”
Brentford striker Igor Thiago
Brentford striker Igor Thiago
It’s unclear how much a deal for the 25-year-old would cost this summer, but his stats from last season showcase why he’d be an excellent addition for the Red Devils.
Thiago featured in every game for Keith Andrews’ men last campaign, subsequently finding the net on 22 occasions - with only Manchester City’s Erling Haaland netting more in the Premier League.
Like Mbeumo, he enjoyed his best-ever top-flight for the Bees, which could see him emulate the Cameroonian in moving to United after such an impressive season.
His 51% shot-on-target accuracy rate only reaffirms his quality within forward areas, placing him above 85% of strikers in England and backing up Zack Lowy’s claim that he’s “one of the best strikers in England.”
The Brazilian’s tally of 3.2 aerial duels won per 90 in the Premier League - a figure higher than that of Sesko - showcases his ability to provide a focal point at the top end of the pitch.
However, he also completed 55% of his attempted dribbles - ranking him in the top 10% of forwards in the division and highlighting his tremendous all-round ability in the final third.
Such numbers highlight why the 25-year-old is already one of the league’s most threatening attacking talents and one who’s set to be in-demand this summer.
The previous dealings with Brentford have proven United can land top talent from the Bees, with Mbeumo a player who has proven to be worth every penny in recent times.
Thiago could follow in his former teammate’s footsteps at Old Trafford and provide the added quality to mount a title charge in the Premier League next term.