Manchester United have made the first steps towards securing the second transfer signing after Bryan Mbeumo made it clear that he was interested in a move to Old Trafford.
Manchester United have opened negotiations to sign Byran Mbeumo from Brentford, following their first summer signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolves.
Mbeumo made it clear this week that United was his preferred destination despite interest from several Premier League clubs.
The Red Devils shifted their focus to Mbeumo after Liam Delap, their previous target, opted for Chelsea instead of a move to Old Trafford.
Mbeumo, who is a 25-year-old Cameroon international, has spent six seasons at Brentford and netted 20 Premier League goals last term solidifying himself as one of the players of the season.
Thomas Franks high praise of Mbeumo
If Brentford manager Thomas Frank’s praise is anything to go by, United’s potential signing Mbeumo could add a vital dose of discipline to the squad.
The Danish coach has described the French-born forward as an outstanding professional, giving a glimpse of what Ruben Amorim might anticipate at Old Trafford.
Reflecting on his crucial role in the team, Frank heaped praise on Mbeumo last year during a spell on the sidelines, saying: “[Mbeumo] must be number two after Ivan [Toney] in terms of goals and assists, which is key.
“His work rate for the team is incredible. You don’t see many wingers who work so hard and mean so much. He’s become the key man saying, ‘Give me the ball, I’ll take this.’ Who will that man be now? We’ll find out in the next weeks.”
Mbeumo’s contributions were key to helping Thomas Franks side finish 10th in the Premier League this season. In the Premier league alone, he has 48 goal contributions in 101 games.
Mbeumo would give United another avenue of attack
United are swiftly transforming one of their weaker areas into a strength through their pursuit of additional attacking options. With Cunha already signed and Mbeumo potentially joining, both are expected to feature primarily in attacking midfield roles.
Last season, these positions were mainly occupied by Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho, and Amad. Later in the campaign, Mason Mount returned from injury, and Joshua Zirkzee shifted from striker to provide another attacking midfield option.
Garnacho appears set to leave this summer, while Amad has adapted to playing more as an attacking wingback, making room for more offensive players. This leaves five players competing for two spots, but Amorim has plenty of options.
Though the competition seems tight, many of the players are versatile. Mbeumo, like Amad, can operate both as an attacking midfielder or as an attacking fullback, while Cunha can also play as a striker.
Mount and Fernandes offer flexibility across midfield and can drop deeper to support the two number tens when needed. That leaves Zirkzee, who may still be required to fill the striker role next season after the club missed out on signing Delap.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 12:30 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.