Manchester United have been quick out of the blocks in this summer’s transfer window, and now find themselves locked in a transfer battle for Bryan Mbeumo.
Manchester United’s transfer window has gotten off to a fast start, with the club already signing Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha for £62.5 million as Ruben Amorim looks to rebuild his squad going into next season.
United’s forward line last season was extremely poor, with the attacking duo of Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Højlund scoring just 17 goals in all competitions between them, with captain Bruno Fernandes picking up the slack, scoring 19 goals.
With the addition of Cunha, Amorim is already looking for even more forward reinforcements, with the club being heavily linked with Bryan Mbeumo, who has verbally agreed to join United.
Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as major players for the 25-year-old’s signature after the sacking of Ange Postecoglou, replacing him with Mbeumo’s former manager, Thomas Frank.
United relaxed about Mbeumo transfer
Despite the fact that he’s already agreed to join United, a transfer battle is now underway between Tottenham and United, as the London club believes they can hijack the deal.
Speaking on the Sky Sports Back Pages via TBR Football, however, ESPN’s Mark Ogden revealed United are relaxed about the situation, as they believe that Mbeumo will sign for the Reds.
“Obviously, there’s a strong connection at Tottenham with Thomas Frank having gone there from Brentford, but the last conversation I had with somebody at United earlier today was that they’re quite relaxed about the situation, about Mbeumo, they’re not worried as of yet,” Ogden detailed.
“I think that deal seems to be quite well underway in the sense that Mbeumo has known for a while that United are keen. I don’t think it’ll take a lot to get the deal over the line with Brentford.”
Ogden also spoke about how United must get the deal over the line quickly, as they run the risk of losing their target the longer this transfer saga goes on.
“But while Tottenham are in there, the longer that United leave it without getting the deal done, the more at risk they are of missing out on Mbeumo because he won’t wait forever,” Ogden continued.
Lack of European football is huge
Going into the Europa League final, it was clear that United’s transfer pulling power in the summer window would be dictated by whether the club would be playing Champions League football next season.
With Tottenham winning the final and thus qualifying for the competition next season, Mbeumo could be swayed by that factor alone, with Ogden saying: “But obviously, Tottenham have got Champions League to offer, the chance to play with his old manager from Brentford. But I’d be surprised if he doesn’t end up at Man United.”
Although United has historically paid higher wages for players than other clubs, their financial situation means that they can’t offer the blockbuster wages they have in recent years. A player would certainly be swayed by European football if both clubs are offering similar wages.
With Brentford’s asking price rising from £50 million to a reported £70 million, United may be forced to walk away as they look to rebuild their squad on a tight budget.
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