Bryan Mbeumo signs, Rashford exits - Man Utd's next steps after Cunha deal

A busy summer is expected at Old Trafford and Carrington as Manchester United are left with no option but to back Ruben Amorim or face another year of desperate struggle

Matheus Cunha is signed and ready to deliver after his £62.5m arrival from Wolves but that should just be the start of a long and hectic summer at Manchester United.

Ruben Amorim’s squad needs significant revamping following the nightmare campaign just gone and chief executive Omar Berrada says the club’s target remains winning the Premier League in 2028.

But everyone under the sun knows that the club must persuade other clubs to sign high-earning misfits for them to fund further new signings - with outgoings now the top priority despite continued interest in Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo.

Here is where things stand with 81 days left in the transfer window.

Mbeumo chase

United know that their attack needs drastic improvement if the gap is to be closed in 2025-26 and Mbeumo has proven his Premier League chops by excelling at Brentford.

However this deal is complicated by two factors.

Spurs are also interested, having just appointed Thomas Frank from the Bees and Mbeumo may decide working with his old boss and playing in the Champions League is a better option. Plus he would not have to relocate.

United aren’t in Europe and the fact is that if they are to sign him there must be a number of unwanted stars heading for the exit.

Ekitike doubts

That second point also applies to any pursuit of Eintracht Frankfurt’s forward Hugo Ekitike, who carries the red flag of having no experience of English football and just one prolific year in the Bundesliga.

Eintracht are under no obligation to sell and what a big sum. United have taken similar risks in recent seasons that have backfired spectacularly.

Rashford interest

Then there are the exits and none are more high profile than Marcus Rashford, the homegrown hero no longer with a future at Old Trafford.

His loan at Aston Villa last season went well before injury cut it short and a return there appears unlikely.

Barcelona have been linked, talk of a switch to Newcastle has been dismissed. But it is probably beneficial to all parties for a deal to be agreed.

Sancho to Naples

Similar can be applied to Jadon Sancho. Chelsea paid £5m not to sign him following his mixed bag loan and recent reports suggest Napoli would be keen on bringing him in, joining Scott McTominay.

But, yet again, there appears to be a snag regarding the financial make-up of a move.

Garnacho conundrum

Reports immediately after the Europa League final suggested that the Argentina attacker was told he could leave if he finds a new club. But he still went on a money-spinning post-season tour in Asia and there have been crickets since.

He is one of few players who could earn a considerable fee, which also means he is one of few players with the natural ability to shine in a successful United side.

Expect talk around his future to drag on to the September 1 window.

Who else can go?

We know Bruno Fernandes will stay because he turned down the Saudi riches but beyond that anyone could go if a good offer comes in. That, according to past reports, includes Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund, who is yet to catch fire after two seasons since arriving for £72m from Atalanta.