Manchester United’s focus on Bryan Mbeumo sparks concern as transfer saga drags with no breakthrough in sight

It could just be the rumour mill spinning stories out of nothing, but that doesn’t change the fact that we’re halfway through July and United still look like they’re nowhere near close to landing one of their top targets.

Fabrizio Romano’s message on Bryan Mbeumo to Man Utd

Since United first showed interest in Mbeumo over a month ago, it seemed likely that the second offer would be enough to get the deal done.

When that didn’t happen, the assumption was that a third bid would quickly follow and finally wrap things up.

But that third offer hasn’t come yet, and in the meantime, United have missed out on players like Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen and Ardon Jashari.

Whenever a new name comes up or an opportunity arises, Romano often repeats that United are “focusing on Mbeumo.”

That’s what’s concerning. It’s not just about how long this one deal is taking – it’s about United putting all their energy into one target again while other moves are happening around them. That makes catching up even harder.

Ineos’ approach have hints of the worst Glazer habits

There’s some understanding to be had for focusing on one deal at a time given United’s financial situation, but there are still ways to work around it.

If Mbeumo is set on joining United, then it would make sense to use the funds earmarked for him elsewhere. The player seems content to wait while talks drag on, so there’s little risk in moving ahead with other business first.

By strengthening other areas of the squad early, United could have gone into pre-season better prepared and circled back to Mbeumo later if sales allowed.

By then, Brentford might have been more open to a deal with less than six months left before another transfer window. But instead of staying flexible, Ineos appear to be repeating old mistakes by doubling down on a single target and letting others slip away.

This isn’t about standing firm or waiting for the right moment. It’s starting to look like another case of being too slow to react while everyone else moves forward around them.