Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha are set to bolster the underperforming forward line Ruben Amorim has at Manchester United.
Manchester United have started discussions with Brentford over a potential transfer for Bryan Mbeumo, after the player signalled his preference for a move to Old Trafford despite interest from Newcastle United and Arsenal.
Following a lacklustre season, it became evident that United needed to bolster their attacking options—and they’ve acted swiftly in the market.
On the opening day of the transfer window, the club confirmed the arrival of Matheus Cunha on a five-year contract. The Brazilian forward is expected to feature primarily on the left flank in Ruben Amorim’s attacking system.
However, United’s recruitment drive is far from over. Determined to further strengthen their frontline, the club has identified Mbeumo as a top priority.
The Brentford star is coming off an impressive Premier League campaign, having scored 20 goals, and United have already saw their opening bid for him rejected but they are expected to come in with another offer soon.
Mbeumo and Cunha can provide Amorim with new trick
Everyone has been talking about the guaranteed goals that Mbeumo and Cunha both offer United in those no.10 positions but it is also interesting that both players have been used as strikers in their time.
Cunha has played 147 games as a centre-forward, as per transfermarkt, while Mbeumo has started there 32 times. They have 179 matches through the middle altogether.
While some of these, especially in the case of Mbeumo, are in two-man strike partnerships, it is still something that is very useful for Amorim at United.
Even if the Reds sign a centre-forward this summer, having different players who can operate in that role upfront is hugely beneficial and it would not be a surprise if either Cunha or Mbeumo are used there is certain games next season.
It would also be another way to get some of United’s other players in the team. The likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount are also going to get minutes in the no.10 roles and the fact that Cunha and Mbeumo could potentially play in other positions like the striker role gives Amorim a lot of options.
United need to trim down squad
United want to trim down their squad this summer and it is not only down to the rebuild but also since they do not have European competition.
Without as many games next term, there are going to be a lot of players who won’t be playing much football if a significant amount of exits aren’t made.
With another centre-forward and Mbeumo, United would have a lot of players for those front three positions while they are also defensively stacked. The midfield area is probably the weakest in terms of depth and even then you have Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, Mainoo and Toby Collyer as options.
Ensuring enough players leave this summer is crucial for the project but also to ensure there aren’t too many unhappy players within the group due to limited game-time.
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