Why Manchester United must sign Bryan Mbeumo

Manchester United are at a crossroads as the summer transfer window opens in June 3, 2025, following a poor 2024/25 season that saw them finish 15th in the Premier League. With Ruben Amorim tasked with a monumental rebuild, the news that Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo has given his approval to join the Red Devils offers a golden opportunity to address their attacking woes. Mbeumo, a 25-year-old Cameroon international, reportedly favours a move to Old Trafford over interest from Arsenal, Newcastle, and Tottenham, with United set to open talks for a £50m deal. After a season where United scored just 42 goals in 38 league matches, relying heavily on Bruno Fernandes, Mbeumo’s proven Premier League pedigree, versatility, and hunger for a new challenge make him the ideal signing to kickstart Amorim’s revolution. This piece is set to explore why United should go all-in for Mbeumo.

Mbeumo is a proven Premier League goal scorer

Mbeumo’s 2024/25 season at Brentford was a breakout campaign, making him one of the Premier League’s most consistent forwards. He scored 20 goals and provided 7 assists in 38 appearances, finishing joint-fifth in the league’s scoring charts alongside teammate Yoane Wissa, trailing only Mohamed Salah (28), Alexander Isak (23), Erling Haaland (21), and Chris Wood (19), according to Manchester Evening News. His 0.53 goals per 90 and 0.18 assists per 90, paired with 2.1 dribbles per 90, highlight a player entering his prime, according to SofaScore. Mbeumo’s consistency isn’t a fluke, last season, he notched 16 goal involvements in 22 starts, and 17 in 2022/23.

United’s attacking output, averaging 1.17 goals per game, was the second-lowest among non-relegated teams, with no player hitting double figures in league goals. Rasmus Hojlund managed just 4, while Amad Dialo’s 16 goals across all competitions showed promise amidst injuries and team underperformance. Mbeumo’s 20 goals is far above United’s current options, offering an immediate upgrade. Brentford’s Thomas Frank admitted Mbeumo’s irreplaceable value, noting his “work ethic” as a winger with 20 goals for a mid-table side. For a United side desperate for goals and club redemption, Mbeumo’s proven scoring ability in England’s top flight can stand the tide.

Mbuemo’s versatility could fit Amorim’s vision

Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system demands versatile attackers who can press, create, and score, with two No. 10s supporting a lone striker. Mbeumo’s ability to play as a right-winger, No. 10, or forward makes him a perfect fit. For his goal-and-assist output, Mbeumo’s 9.3 xA (expected assists) led the Premier League, while his ground covered ranked second, showcasing his work rate. His 1.4 key passes per 90 and 2.1 dribbles per 90 align with Amorim’s high-intensity style, which saw Sporting CP average 8.2 turnovers per game, according to Opta Analyst.

United’s current attackers struggle in Amorim’s setup. Alejandro Garnacho, doesn’t suit the system and could be sold to fund Mbeumo’s move. Rashford, often deployed centrally, lacks the physicality for the lone-striker role, while Joshua Zirkzee may show some potential but fitness issues make him unreliable. Mbeumo’s versatility allows him to pair with Matheus Cunha whose £62.5m move from Wolves is confirmed in the No. 10 roles, creating a dynamic attack.

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Mbeumo has Premier League experience

United’s recent signings from abroad: Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs de Ligt, and Zirkzee struggled to adapt, with Amorim noting the Premier League’s physicality as a barrier. Mbeumo, with over 30 Premier League goals since 2023/24, offers instant impact, having thrived at Brentford for six years. His familiarity with English football reduces the adaptation risk, a critical factor for a club needing immediate results after a long series of underperformances.

At 25, Mbeumo is entering his prime, offering long-term value at £50m a bargain compared to Alexander Isak’s £115m or Victor Osimhen’s £63m. With his contract expiring in 2026, Brentford will be willing to accept a good deal, giving United leverage to negotiate. Selling Garnacho or Rashford, both valued at £50m-£80m, could fund the deal without breaching PSR, especially with a potential £100m Bruno Fernandes exit to Saudi Arabia looming. Mbeumo’s willingness to join a “long-term project” without Champions League football aligns with United’s rebuild.

Addressing United’s attack

United’s forward line is depleted. Zirkzee’s injury crisis, Hojlund’s inconsistency, and Rashford’s potential sale leave Amorim short. The failed pursuit of Liam Delap, who chose Chelsea, and competition for Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres shows the scarcity of good strikers. Mbeumo’s 27 goal involvements offer depth and competition, reducing reliance on Fernandes, whose 35 involvements may vanish if he departs. Mbeumo’s 1.4 tackles per 90 also add defensive work rate, fitting Amorim’s tactics.

Football enthusiasts expectations

Fans on social media are buzzing, with posts calling Mbeumo a “MUST” for his 20 goal contributions and £50m price tag, citing his 9.3 xA and work rate as ideal for United. Football analysts like Fabrizio Romano notes United’s “genuine interest” in Mbeumo as a “player for the future” with “instant impact.” With Arsenal and Newcastle circling, United must act fast to secure their man.

Potential risks in signing Mbuemo

Mbeumo’s lack of European experience, Brentford never qualified raises questions about his big-stage readiness. However, his 20 goals in a mid-table side suggest he can handle pressure. His 1-year contract risks a bidding war, but his Old Trafford preference gives United an advantage. Integrating him into United’s rebuild, may strain squad cohesion, but his Premier League ability minimizes this risk.

Conclusion

Bryan Mbeumo’s approval to join Manchester United is a rare chance to address their attacking crisis. His 20 goals, 7 assists, and 2.1 dribbles per 90 offer the firepower United lacked. Fitting perfectly into Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation. Mbeumo’s versatility, work rate, and Premier League experience make him a strategic signing at £50m. With Cunha already secured and Fernandes’ future uncertain, Mbeumo could form a lethal partnership, improving United’s goals-per-game. Despite risks like European inexperience, his hunger for the project and United’s need for instant impact could limit the risk and concerns. As fans on social media clamor for his signature, United must act decisively, missing out on Mbeumo could haunt their 2025/26 revival. Old Trafford awaits its new attacking hero.