Ruben Amorim`s initial summer at Manchester United is proving pivotal, as the club seeks significant squad enhancements to improve its fortunes.
The manager has already acted swiftly in the transfer window, finalising a £62.5m transfer for Wolverhampton Wanderers attacker Matheus Cunha.
Having scored 15 Premier League goals last season, the Brazilian is expected to enhance United`s offensive options and support Amorim`s goal of restoring the club`s previous success.
However, Cunha will likely need additional support in the attack, with Jason Wilcox actively pursuing further signings during the current transfer period.
Various players have been linked with a potential transfer to Old Trafford ahead of the 2025/26 season, as the Red Devils urgently require a squad overhaul.
United`s Search for Attacking Talent Continues
Given Manchester United`s low tally of just 44 league goals last season, it is clear that offensive reinforcements are essential to transform the team`s performance at Old Trafford.
While players like Callum Hudson-Odoi, Dušan Vlahović, and Jean-Philippe Mateta have been mentioned as potential targets this summer, no agreements have been reached for any of these players yet.
However, Brentford`s Bryan Mbeumo has recently emerged as a new candidate. According to German journalist Christopher Michel, the forward is reportedly nearing a move to United.
Michel indicates that the Red Devils are feeling `optimistic of finalising` a deal for the 25-year-old in time for the start of their pre-season ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
It is also reported that Thomas Frank, recently appointed as Tottenham Hotspur manager, may attempt to secure the £70m-rated Cameroonian himself for his new club in North London.
Mbeumo and Ekitike: A Potentially Strong Partnership
Manchester United`s pursuit of new attackers shows no sign of slowing. Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitiké is also firmly on their radar, according to Sky Germany.
Sky Germany reports that United has initiated contact with the Bundesliga club regarding a potential transfer for the 22-year-old, who netted 22 goals in all competitions during the 2024/25 season.
The French international reportedly has a €100m (£84m) release clause. United would face competition for his signature from other Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Chelsea.
Whether United can afford such a significant fee for Ekitike remains uncertain, particularly after completing the Cunha deal and closing in on a move for Mbeumo.
Nevertheless, pursuing Mbeumo appears to be a sensible strategy. The Brentford attacker possesses the attributes to form a potent attacking partnership with Ekitike in the final third at Old Trafford.
The Cameroonian, described as “unbelievable” by one analyst, not only scored 20 league goals last season but also demonstrated impressive creativity throughout the 2024/25 season.
His statistics include 3.7 progressive passes and 1.9 key passes per 90 minutes, highlighting his ability to create chances and supply Ekitike with opportunities in front of goal if both players were to join Manchester United.
| Bryan Mbeumo`s stats for Brentford in the PL (2024/25) | |
|---|---|
| Statistics (per 90) | Tally |
| Games played | 38 |
| Goals & assists | 27 |
| Progressive passes | 3.7 |
| Progressive carries | 3.4 |
| Key passes made | 1.9 |
| Passes into opposition box | 1.6 |
| Crosses completed | 5.3 |
| Take-on success | 48% |
Mbeumo also provided 1.6 passes into the opposition box and completed 5.3 crosses per 90, showcasing his capacity to disrupt defences and assist his fellow attackers at Old Trafford.
A £70m fee might seem like another substantial outlay, especially considering the early transfer activity this summer, but it`s an investment that could add a different dimension to Amorim`s attack.
The prospect of the Brentford star potentially linking up with the French striker, possibly alongside Cunha, is undoubtedly exciting. This attacking trio could provide the necessary impetus to help the club climb the league standings next season.
