Manchester United is aggressively pursuing new options for their attack this summer, a clear priority given the department`s urgent need for reinforcement.
While Matheus Cunha`s £62.5 million move was an early addition to Old Trafford, he is unlikely to be the last forward signing ahead of the upcoming 2025/26 season. The team`s scoring record of just 44 goals in 38 league matches in the previous campaign starkly highlights the need for more attacking threat, and acquiring such talent is expected to be costly.
The future of Rasmus Hojlund at United appears uncertain, with reports linking him to Napoli and Inter Milan. However, his market value is unclear, especially after he managed only four league goals last season. Any funds generated from potential player sales would likely assist manager Ruben Amorim in his mission to recruit new attacking players, with various names already being connected with a move to Old Trafford this summer.
Latest on United`s Striker Hunt
Roony Bardghji was a player recently added to United`s potential shortlist, but it seems they have missed out on the promising Swedish youngster, as a deal is reportedly agreed between Copenhagen and Spanish giants Barcelona.
Jean-Philippe Mateta is another striker mentioned in connection with a switch to Old Trafford this summer. Despite scoring 14 Premier League goals last season, the Frenchman is reportedly viewed as a backup option compared to other primary targets.
In contrast, a transfer for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo seems to be progressing well, according to the latest updates from talkSPORT. They claim that the Red Devils have submitted a second bid for the 25-year-old, believed to be in the region of £60 million. Mbeumo enjoyed a sensational 2024/25 season, having scored 20 league goals for Brentford.
Talks with the player are said to have accelerated, and he has reportedly already agreed on personal terms regarding a move to Amorim’s side. However, it remains unconfirmed whether Brentford is prepared to accept this latest offer.
Why the £60m Target Could Be Better Than Nkunku
Despite making a significant offer for Mbeumo, United have also reportedly entered the race to sign Chelsea`s out-of-favour attacker, Christopher Nkunku, emerging as one of the main clubs interested in securing his signature.
It has been reported that the Red Devils have approached the 27-year-old’s representatives regarding a potential transfer, especially considering he started just nine league games for Chelsea last season. The player himself is reportedly keen on leaving Stamford Bridge after failing to establish a regular starting spot since his £52 million transfer two years ago.
Nkunku offers tactical versatility, capable of operating both as a number ten and a centre forward, which could potentially provide the attacking depth desired by manager Amorim.
However, the price Chelsea might demand for Nkunku is uncertain. Based on their respective statistics from the 2024/25 season, Mbeumo appears to be a considerably better option for Manchester United.
The Brentford star has significantly outperformed the French international in several key areas, highlighting why he would be a more impactful addition for the Red Devils in the coming weeks.
Mbeumo, who has been praised as “sensational” by Sky Sports` Mark McAdam, not only outscored Nkunku but also recorded a higher goals-per-shot-on-target rate, clearly demonstrating his clinical finishing ability in front of goal.
| How Mbeumo compares to Nkunku in the PL (2024/25) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Statistics (per 90) | Mbeumo | Nkunku |
| Games played | 38 | 27 |
| Goals & assists | 27 | 5 |
| Shot on target accuracy | 45% | 44% |
| Goals per shot on target | 0.4 | 0.2 |
| Progressive carries | 3.4 | 1.6 |
| Progressive passes | 3.7 | 2.4 |
| Key passes | 1.9 | 1.3 |
| Take-on success | 47% | 37% |
| Carries into final third | 1.8 | 1.5 |
His superior creative output is also evident in his higher numbers for progressive passes and key passes per 90 minutes, demonstrating his capacity to create opportunities for teammates – a quality that would undoubtedly aid Amorim’s aim to enhance the team`s attacking threat.
Mbeumo`s effectiveness in advancing the ball is further underlined by his better take-on success rate and more carries into the final third, indicating his skill at penetrating defenses and getting into dangerous positions.
While a £60 million investment in Mbeumo might seem substantial after what could be considered his breakthrough season, the opportunity to play alongside higher-calibre teammates at Manchester United will likely help him sustain and potentially improve his performance levels.
Christopher Nkunku certainly provides an experienced and versatile option in the final third. However, if the club must choose between the two players, the statistics and recent form suggest that Bryan Mbeumo would be the signing more likely to significantly improve Manchester United`s prospects for future success.
