The move that could doom a Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United transfer

Bryan Mbeumo’s potential transfer to Manchester United has been one of the slowest and most nerve-wracking sagas of this summer’s window. Despite clear interest from United and Mbeumo’s own commitment to join the Red Devils, weeks have passed without a deal being finalized. Sky Sports’ Lyall Thomas reports that the whole transfer could be thrown into jeopardy by one unexpected factor: Tottenham’s pursuit of Brentford striker Yoane Wissa.

Tottenham’s interest complicates things

Originally, Tottenham appeared keen to bring Mbeumo to North London as part of new manager Thomas Frank’s rebuilding project at Spurs. However, Mbeumo made it clear he preferred Manchester United, rejecting Spurs despite Frank’s appointment. That should have cleared the way for United to get their man.

But the wheels have turned far slower than expected, and Tottenham’s renewed interest in another Brentford attacker — Yoane Wissa — has complicated the picture. Wissa, a breakout forward for the Bees, is increasingly linked with Spurs, and Brentford are reluctant to lose both of their key attacking stars in the same window.

Brentford’s dilemma: sell one or risk losing both?

Brentford find themselves in a tricky spot. Selling both Mbeumo and Wissa would leave the club dangerously thin up front, so their strategy is to allow the sale of only one star this summer. If Tottenham secure Wissa first, Brentford may decide to hold onto Mbeumo, cutting off Manchester United’s chances.

This puts intense pressure on United to finalize the deal quickly. The longer they delay, the greater the chance Brentford pull the plug on Mbeumo’s sale. And if that happens, the England winger — frustrated and left in limbo — could be swayed to join Spurs next year, especially under Thomas Frank’s leadership.

United fans growing impatient

The drawn-out nature of this transfer has already rattled Manchester United supporters. Weeks of negotiations without closure have fueled rumors and anxiety. Fans worry the deal might collapse, especially as Spurs begin to sniff around Brentford’s other prized asset.

Manchester United have historically been slow movers in the transfer market this summer, but with Mbeumo, the stakes are high. This isn’t just about signing a talented winger; it’s about securing a player who has clearly expressed a desire to join the club, a rare certainty amid the usual transfer chaos.

Why Mbeumo matters

Mbeumo’s dynamic style — his pace, dribbling, and goal threat — fits the kind of forward United need to bolster their attack. He offers versatility, able to operate on the right wing or through the center, and his Premier League experience makes him an attractive target.

Losing out on him would be a blow, and it would hand Spurs a significant victory, strengthening their squad with two Brentford stars rather than one.

The race is on

At this critical moment, Manchester United’s window to wrap up the Mbeumo transfer is narrowing. Tottenham’s pursuit of Wissa is not just a separate story — it’s a ticking clock on United’s hopes of landing the Brentford winger.

If United want Mbeumo, they need to move fast — before Tottenham secures Wissa and Brentford closes the door on selling both stars. Otherwise, the transfer could quietly unravel, leaving United’s fans disappointed and Spurs strengthened for the season ahead.