Bryan Mbeumo (26, Brentford) has solidified his intention to join Manchester United.
The U.K. 'Manchester Evening News' reported on the 16th (Korean time) that "Manchester United remains confident in signing Bryan Mbeumo. Although there is clear interest from Tottenham Hotspur, led by manager Thomas Frank, Mbeumo has clearly expressed to those around him that he wants to go to Manchester United."
Manager Frank has guided Mbeumo for five years during his time at Brentford, accompanying his growth throughout. Having taken over at Tottenham at the end of this season, he is making a concerted effort to recruit his 'pupil,' and it is reported that Tottenham has even offered a higher weekly wage. However, Manchester United possesses a more powerful weapon: Mbeumo's own will.
According to reports, Manchester United made an offer earlier this month to Brentford for a transfer fee of £45 million (approximately 83.2 billion won) plus a bonus of £10 million (approximately 18.5 billion won), but it was rejected. Nonetheless, the reason they haven't left the negotiating table is clear: Mbeumo has not wavered in his desire to join only Manchester United.
In May, Tottenham defeated Manchester United 1-0 in the Europa League final, successfully claiming the title and securing a spot in next season's Champions League. They are further accelerating preparations for the next season by also recruiting manager Thomas Frank. However, Mbeumo's focus seems to be solely on Manchester United.
Mbeumo, who scored 20 goals and provided 7 assists in 38 matches in the Premier League last season, is regarded as the second target in Manchester United's plan to bolster their attacking lineup in the summer transfer market. After previously acquiring Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton, Manchester United is expected to expedite their search for a center forward since their top target, Liam Delap, is heading to Chelsea, leading them to activate Plan B, as explained by the Manchester Evening News.
Mbeumo is evaluated as a versatile asset within manager Ruben Amorim's 3-4-2-1 system. His tactical flexibility, capable of playing as a right winger, a second-line playmaker, or a center forward, is a notable strength. Particularly, having played as a right winger throughout last season, he is also expected to be the 'right-side solution' that has been a concern for Manchester United for 13 years.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Mbeumo, who recently appeared at the F1 Canadian Grand Prix held in Montreal, Canada, told 'Sky Sports' that "transfer rumors are always a part of a football player's life" and stated that "at first, it feels unfamiliar, but it must be accepted. Manager Frank has had a significant impact on my career and life. I am grateful to him and wish him well."
His steps are already heading towards Manchester, not North London. Manchester United is continuing to push towards their second signing target after Cunha, and there is confidence within the club that Mbeumo will wear the Manchester United uniform.
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