Manchester United earmark two alternatives to Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo

United cannot afford another transfer window filled with indecision. If they believe Mbeumo is the right fit, they should act decisively. If not, they must invest in alternatives with the same conviction. One thing is clear: this summer cannot end with them playing catch-up, again.

Whether Manchester United should match Tottenham’s £70 million offer is indeed a pivotal question, one that speaks volumes about the club’s ambition and clarity of purpose. Mbeumo is not a gamble; he is a proven, Premier League-hardened forward with the stats and consistency to back him up. With 20 goals and eight assists last season, his impact is unquestionable. Add to that his versatility across the front line and his ability to perform in high-pressure matches, and it’s clear why he’s in such high demand.

For United, this is about more than just one transfer. It’s about whether they’re ready to pay for quality, especially when that quality is immediate and league-tested. Mbeumo represents a reliable, ready-made solution to their attacking inconsistency, something the club has lacked since the departure of consistent forwards like Cavani and Rashford’s own dip in form.

However, matching Tottenham’s price may compromise other necessary moves in a summer where Manchester United need more than just one key reinforcement. An alternative strategy could be to hold firm at £55 million and redirect attention toward different profiles, such as Eberechi Eze or Antoine Semenyo. Eze brings creativity, vision, and unpredictability from midfield, although he lacks Mbeumo’s goal contribution. Semenyo, meanwhile, is an explosive talent with raw potential, though he remains a work in progress.

This dilemma reflects a broader shift in the club’s approach. Often criticised for paying inflated fees, United now appear more measured and financially cautious. While this stance may be viewed as sensible, it also carries the risk of missing out on a player who seems to fit perfectly into the team’s needs. In a hyper-competitive market, falling short can be just as costly as overspending. Mbeumo would be a strategic, ready-made addition. Yet if the club believes Eze and Semenyo can deliver comparable impact for a lower collective outlay, it may be a risk worth taking. But whichever route they choose, United must be certain, because sitting out this fight could prove as damaging as a financial gamble.