Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo has emerged as Manchester United’s latest transfer target after completing the signing of Matheus Cunha, and Rio Ferdinand is excited at the prospect of him joining
Manchester United are pursuing Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo(Image: Lee Parker – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Rio Ferdinand says Manchester United have listened to his one “non-negotiable” by trying to sign the hard-working Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford this summer.
The Manchester Evening News understands United have shown a genuine interest in signing Mbeumo. The 25-year-old forward is also believed to be keen on a move to Old Trafford ahead of other clubs like Newcastle United.
Talks between United and Brentford are set to get underway shortly, with Mbeumo valued at around £60million this summer. It comes after a stellar individual campaign for the Cameroon international, who scored a whopping 20 goals and notched seven assists in 38 league games this season.
Red Devils icon Ferdinand has now given the transfer his seal of approval, should Ineos manage to beat the likes of Arsenal, Newcastle and Tottenham to his signature. Former centre-back Ferdinand heaped praise on Mbeumo, highlighting his athleticism as the key trait any new United signing should have.
The former TNT Sports pundit said on his Rio Presents podcast: “What a season he’s had. Not only has he been ever-present – he’s always there consistently – the guy’s impacting games. Big moments.
“He bangs [goals in] left foot, right foot. He comes in from the right, plays on the left, plays up front as a nine or even as a false nine.
“And again, it’s not just about wanting talent. These guys who operate at this level all have talent. But one of the things that is non-negotiable for me is athleticism.
“The ability to go man to man. The ability to beat a player. The ability to take the team from one end of the pitch to the other.
“He brings that so that’s another added spice that I thought was a non-negotiable and they’ve listened to me.”
Rio Ferdinand has reacted to the latest Mbeumo news(Image: YouTube: Rio Ferdinand Presents)
Mbeumo’s eye for goal and pace across the front line helped Brentford secure a 10th placed finish this term.
His addition to the Red Devils squad would come as a huge boost to Amorim after United missed out on Liam Delap, who has chosen Chelsea ahead as his next destination with his £30m transfer from Ipswich imminent.
United have already kickstarted their summer business by wrapping up the transfer of Matheus Cunha from Wolves. The Brazilian had a £62.5m release clause in his contract at Molineux, which United have activated to bring the player to Old Trafford.
Bruno Fernandes has also rejected a move to the Saudi Pro League, meaning the United captain is likely to stay on heading into next season.
Mbeumo and Cunha scored 35 league goals between them this season. The campaign before, it was 21.
That shows their proven quality in a way that United’s misfiring forwards, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, had not managed before moving to United for a combined fee of almost £110m in the summers of 2023 and 2024, respectively.
It remains to be seen which deals United will seal beyond the signing of Cunha. Mbeumo’s name is likely to be in the headlines over the next few days but it remains unclear at this moment whether a deal will be agreed.