Brentford boss Thomas Frank has identified a key quality in Bryan Mbeumo that will benefit Manchester United as Ruben Amorim's side close in on a deal for the striker
Bryan Mbeumo will give Manchester United something they are sorely lacking, according to Brentford boss Thomas Frank. The Cameroon star has been identified by United as their next priority signing after tying up a deal for Matheus Cunha from Wolves.
Amid interest from Arsenal and Newcastle, Mbeumo has indicated his desire to join the Red Devils, despite their torrid Premier League campaign and missing out on European football. A deal to sign Mbeumo is not yet done, with the 25-year-old believed to be demanding a £250,000-per-week deal.
But if United do get their man, he will not just sharpen up their forward line but provide the leadership the team has been lacking in recent seasons, says his current manager, Frank. Captain Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire are widely regarded as United's only ‘leaders’ amid widespread attitude concerns within the squad.
That trait persuaded United to extend the often-maligned Maguire’s contract to the summer of 2026. His deal was originally due to expire this summer.
Speaking in January, head coach Ruben Amorim said: “When you look at our team, we are starving for leaders on the pitch. He [Maguire] is a leader. He has to improve that part and he has to improve our game. We are happy to continue with him."
According to Frank, Mbeumo, who arrived in west London from French side Troyes in 2019, offers leadership as well as goals. Speaking in 2023, the Danish coach said following a win over West Ham: “I praised him a couple of weeks ago because he drives training with his attitude and work ethic and determination to want to get better and win." Frank then pointedly added: “He’s definitely a leader in the making.”
United have already made one move in the transfer market this summer by signing Brazil forward Cunha. Departures could include Jadon Sancho, although Chelsea, where he spent last season on loan, are prepared to pay a £5million penalty fee to escape an obligation to make his current loan permanent.
Seemingly in anticipation of his Stamford Bridge exit, Sancho posted on X on Tuesday night: “Grateful for the experience. Big love to everyone at Chelsea who made me feel at home - team-mates, staff and the fans. Wishing the club all the best moving forward. Truly grateful, thank you Blues.”
One player who won't be going anywhere, it seems, is Fernandes, who has turned down a mega-money deal to join Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, who were reportedly prepared to pay him £700,000 per week. Fernandes confirmed he had rejected the chance to move after speaking to Amorim and his family.
“The president of Al Hilal called me a month ago to ask about the possibility of me moving there,” Fernandes told a Portugal press conference, according to Portuguese outlet O Jogo.
“I had to wait a while to think about the future. As I’ve always said, I would be willing to do it if United thought it was best to move on.
“I spoke with Ruben Amorim, who really tried to talk me out of it. I spoke to the club, who said they weren’t willing to sell me, only if I wanted to leave.”