United View: The Mbeumo saga goes on

It’s been well over a month since Manchester United’s first official bid for Bryan Mbeumo was rejected by Brentford, with little clarity on what is happening surrounding the Cameroonian’s potential move to Old Trafford.

With rivals having already made several signings, should the Reds look elsewhere in the market?

United have had two bids rejected for Mbeumo thus far - £55million and £60million respectively – the most recent one coming at the end of June. We’re now in mid-July, with no activity to speak of during that time, fans are beginning to get worried about whether a deal can be reached.

This could be a pivotal week regarding this transfer as the Reds shape up for their pre-season campaign. Not having Mbeumo available for the tour could be a huge setback for preparations for the upcoming 25/26 campaign.

Ruben Amorim and his side are already back in full training, as they look to begin their pre-season with a trip to Stockholm to face Leeds United, before jetting off to the United States, where they will face West Ham, Bournemouth and Everton.

Meanwhile, Mbeumo reported back to Brentford to begin training with the West London club, adding further confusion around his current situation. He has already made it clear that he wants to join United, and it now comes down to whether the two clubs can agree on a fee.

Brentford have no obligation to sell, considering he is still under contract with the option to trigger another year. However, it may be reasonable to suggest that they have shifted their valuation of the player, using Matheus Cunha’s £62.5million fee as a benchmark.

As it’s already been made very clear, United are struggling for finances this season, not helped by outgoings taking longer than expected, and it feels like the Reds are waiting for some movement before making another move for Mbeumo.

Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Tyrell Malacia and Jadon Sancho have all been frozen out of the squad, being made to report to training after 5pm when Ruben Amorim and the rest of the team have already left. All have interest from other clubs, but with no official bids, it seems United are at an impasse.

So, if Brentford won’t budge, perhaps United need to move on and look elsewhere in the market, which is easier said than done given that there aren’t many greater alternatives than Mbeumo for the right-side number ten role; however, they could pivot to a striker.

One name that’s already been highlighted is Ollie Watkins, who is arguably the best option within United’s price range. But Villa could do the same as Brentford and price the Reds out of a move, leaving them in limbo.

Amorim will be hoping the club can sufficiently back him and bring in someone before his side departs for the States. Cunha’s arrival has been a good start, but might not be enough to turn things around from last season’s disastrous finish.

Things are only further complicated by the news of Andre Onana’s injury, which will likely see him miss the entire US tour. United may need to give one of the academy players a chance, with 22-year-old Radek Vítek rumoured to be involved during the tour. The Czech keeper spent last season on loan in the Austrian Bundesliga with FC Blau-Weiss Linz.

It’s beginning to get worrisome, but hopefully by the end of this week, there will be some clarification on Bryan Mbeumo. It would be a superb signing for United; however, fans will have to wait and see if they can match Brentford’s valuation.