Manchester United`s activity in the summer transfer market is reportedly accelerating. With the £62.5 million signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolves already confirmed, the focus is now shifting to further bolster the attacking options available to manager Ruben Amorim.
The need for reinforcements in the final third is apparent, particularly as the club navigates the potential departures of several established forwards, including Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Jadon Sancho.
The Search for Attacking Power
Earlier in the window, Sporting Lisbon`s Viktor Gyokeres, a player with whom Amorim has a successful history, was widely considered a primary target for the Red Devils. However, reports indicate Gyokeres is nearing a move elsewhere, presenting a challenge in securing a leading central striker.
Despite this, the club`s ownership, INEOS, remains determined to strengthen the forward line significantly before the window closes.
Agreement Reached for Bryan Mbeumo
Manchester United`s persistent pursuit of attacking talent has seemingly yielded a breakthrough. According to Spanish sources, an agreement has now been struck with Brentford for the transfer of Bryan Mbeumo. The reported fee for the Cameroon international is around £65 million. The deal is understood to be on the cusp of completion, with only the final, minor details pending resolution. This development follows previous reports of Brentford rejecting initial offers from United, underscoring the club`s commitment to securing Mbeumo.
Why Mbeumo is a Key Addition
Bryan Mbeumo`s performance during the 2024/25 Premier League season solidified his reputation as one of the league`s most effective forwards. He finished the campaign with an impressive tally of 20 goals and eight assists across 38 league appearances. This placed him among the league`s elite goalscorers, with only Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak, and Erling Haaland scoring more.
Beyond his direct goal contributions, Mbeumo, aged 25, offers a robust all-around game suitable for a dynamic attack. Statistics from Sofascore highlight his offensive capabilities: he averaged 1.8 key passes, completed 1.4 dribbles, and won 4.7 duels per game, demonstrating creativity, technical skill, and physical presence.
Brentford manager Thomas Frank has previously expressed his high regard for Mbeumo, describing him as “unplayable” following a notable hat-trick performance against Newcastle United.
Comparisons and the “New Rashford” Narrative
The impending arrival of Mbeumo has sparked comparisons, with some suggesting he could become Ruben Amorim`s preferred alternative to Marcus Rashford, who is facing an uncertain future at the club. While Rashford has demonstrated periods of exceptional form for United in the past, including seasons where he reached 17 Premier League goals, his goalscoring record has fluctuated. Notably, in the 2024/25 season, he scored only 6 league goals in 25 appearances.
Mbeumo`s 20-goal return in the same season actually surpasses any single-season league goal tally Rashford has achieved for Manchester United. This striking difference in recent form suggests that, rather than merely being a “new Rashford,” Mbeumo represents a potential upgrade based on current performance levels. The label itself carries a certain irony, given Rashford`s recent struggles compared to Mbeumo`s breakout season. Perhaps, the focus should simply be on securing Bryan Mbeumo, a player whose output currently exceeds the peak Premier League performance of the player he might be replacing.
Moving Forward
Acquiring Bryan Mbeumo, coupled with the earlier signing of Matheus Cunha, signals a clear intent from Manchester United to inject pace, versatility, and increased goal threat into their attacking unit under the new managerial structure. While these additions alone may not resolve every challenge the club faces, securing a proven Premier League performer with Mbeumo`s recent form represents a significant step in the right direction as United aims to revitalize its offense.
