Manchester United To Make Second Signing

Manchester United’s summer rebuild is quietly gaining momentum, and it looks like Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo could be the next big piece of the puzzle. After sealing a deal for Matheus Cunha from Wolves, United is intensifying efforts to bring the versatile Cameroon international to Old Trafford.

If reports are to be believed, the feeling is mutual. While Arsenal and Newcastle have expressed interest, Mbeumo is said to have his heart set on joining Manchester United. This potential signing makes sense on paper and could be a game-changer for Ruben Amorim next season.

Mbeumo’s Rise From Underdog To Premier League Star

Bryan Mbeumo isn’t your average headline name, which makes his rise compelling. After arriving in England from the French side of Troyes in 2019, he’s slowly but surely made himself one of the most productive attackers in the Premier League.

Mbeumo has netted 20 goals this past season, placing him fourth in the league’s top scorers behind Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak, and Erling Haaland. Over the past two seasons, he has amassed 29 goals and 14 assists, showcasing his consistent offensive prowess. 

He is arguably Brentford’s best player. He constantly threatens from the right side of the attack and stepped up after Ivan Toney’s departure almost two years ago. When Toney was suspended, Mbeumo carried the scoring burden. His blend of directness, work ethic, and finishing ability has turned heads across the league. According to The Times, United has monitored him for several months, and talks have accelerated into June.

United’s Attack Needs This Type Of Profile

Manchester United’s attack lacked identity for most of the 2024/25 season. Outside of the regular Bruno Fernandes brilliance, Amad Diallo’s resurgence, and flashes from Alejandro Garnacho, there was no absolute consistency from the center forwards or the wide areas. Hojlund looks completely lost. Antony was loaned out. According to the rumors, Jadon Sancho may never return, and Marcus Rashford is on his way to Barcelona after his loan spell at Villa.

Enter Bryan Mbeumo. At 25, he’s approaching his prime and offers precisely the type of characteristics United need: high-intensity pressing, two-footed dribbling, and an eye for goal. He’s not just a winger who hugs the touchline; he cuts inside, plays in the half-spaces, and brings others into play.

In other words, he fits in exceptionally well with Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 football system. His versatility allows him to play anywhere across the front three, giving United flexibility in the Portuguese three at the back and in both 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 systems.

Sources close to the player say Mbeumo is excited about joining a club of United’s stature. The 25-year-old is ready to snub Champions League football for United as he sees a promising long-term future under Ruben Amorim and could help the club return to being one of the best in the country. 

Arsenal, Newcastle Interested

It’s not like United is the only one circling. Arsenal have also kept tabs on Mbeumo for months, viewing him as a potential rotation option to support Bukayo Saka. Newcastle, too, made inquiries, especially as they look to add depth amid Financial Fair Play restrictions.

But both clubs have cooled their interest after Brentford slapped a £60 million ($76 million) price tag on their star forward. Mbeumo has one year left on his current deal, but Brentford holds a one-year extension clause, giving them control over his future for at least another 12 months.

Still, the player’s willingness to push for a move may change the dynamics. Sources suggest he is “not interested” in joining a side where he’ll be a backup option. At United, with a real need for productivity from wide areas, he sees a genuine pathway into the starting XI. Newcastle reportedly balked at the price. Arsenal’s attention is drifting toward other targets, including Nico Williams. That leaves United in pole position, and they know it.

A Summer Of Smart Spending?

United’s recruitment team, now under the influence of new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, is shifting its transfer approach. Gone are the days of galáctico-style signings. The focus now is value, upside, and players who fit a system.

Signing Matheus Cunha already ticked a few of those boxes. Adding Mbeumo would tick even more. Together, they represent a modernized attack that resembles Ruben Amorim’s Sporting CP, which is high-tempo, interchangeable, and tactically intelligent.

United still needs to offload players. Antony, Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Garnacho, and Hojlund could be moved on this summer to balance the books. That would free up salary space and open the door for Mbeumo to arrive as a starter rather than a squad player. If all goes well, United could have their man before the squad leaves for the U.S. preseason tour in July.

Final Thoughts

Bryan Mbeumo might not be the flashiest name linked with Manchester United this summer,  but he could be the smartest. At 25, he’s hungry, experienced in the Premier League, and motivated to leap. For United, this is about building something sustainable. In a world where the club has been burned by big-name flops, targeting a player like Mbeumo shows they’re learning from past mistakes. Now it’s up to the club to get the deal done. The desire is there. The player wants the move. The rest? It’s up to the negotiating table.