Manchester Evening News

Manchester United face a fight with Spurs to sign top target Bryan Mbeumo

Manchester United have a fight on their hands as the summer transfer window reopens, facing the prospect of fending off Tottenham Hotspur in their pursuit of Brentford ace Bryan Mbeumo - and some fans in the Manchester Evening News comments section are worried that things might not be going to plan after the delay so far.

United are seeking to bolster a struggling attack, and the addition of Mbeumo with his 20 league goals in the past season would go some way to putting them back amongst the top clubs in the Premier League. A £55million package offer has been rejected by Brentford, who stand to make huge profit from their ace wherever he ends up going this summer.

Spurs are also in for Mbeumo, having made a £70 million offer for him as the club look to banish their own demons after a poor Premier League season. Spurs have taken on Brentford's Thomas Frank as manager after sacking Ange Postecoglou, and a link-up with Mbeumo would be an ideal way to start his time at that club.

Some fans are just about ready to give up on Mbeumo after hopes of a fast start to the transfer window seem to be fading. Reader IlSacristano says: "I wish this would be over, for better or for worse. It's a bit like Pride and Prejudice, although Elizabeth Bennett and Mr Darcy got together with far fewer words written about them than Mr Mbeumo."

Commenter Steviweavi warns about paying the old "United tax": "What we should have equally done last year and before is not overpay. Mbeumo is NOT a £70m player, if Spurs want to pay that then let them. The player can always insist he wants to play for United and no-one else of course."

Cheethamhills writes: "If Mbeumo's one and only choice isn't to come to United, then I'd rather he didn't... if it is, then he needs to get it done. United don't need to pay any price as Brentford haven't got the upper hand, Mbeumo does in his last year. He should tell them to accept the offer, or tell fans I'm staying for another season and will leave for free next year."

JKU999 is feeling bullish: "If Mbeumo wants to go from a little club to another little club all because a) His manager has gone there and b) For a fleeting moment of Champions League football, let him go. He'll never know what playing for a massive club like Manchester United is like. Good luck to him."

Navydiver writes: "Once again the ineptitude of United’s management will undoubtedly lead to Mbuemo going to Spurs. We of course are sweating and digging our heels in for 5 or 6 million when had we met the initial asking price, this deal could have been wrapped up before this Frank deal was confirmed. Way to go, United’s crack negotiators. Wasting millions on rubbish but obstinate when quick action was required!"

Others have more confidence in the club to get the right business done this summer. JustifiablySceptical says: "It's a little early to say we can't get transfers over the line. If we've still only signed Cunha by the end of the month, I'll be worried, but if we also have Mbeumo by that point, we'll have made a huge improvement to our attack. We'd also still have time to bring in players in other positions.

"Part of it is out of our hands as we need to sell several players. If we do, I'm at least now confident that we're targeting the right type of incoming. I haven't been able to say that for many years."

Nemiroff writes: "United should be bold, and put it to his people - “does he want to come to United or not”? No procrastination, no playing one against the other, yes or no. We’ve been here before many times and been played for fools. There are other targets out there that are equally as good if not better.

"United’s stock may have fallen, but they are still one of the world’s biggest clubs. If Mbuemo would rather be a big fish in a small pond, off you trot. United need players who are going to give everything for the club, and want to be here, it’s that simple."

Have your say! Are you feeling frustrated with the pace of the Mbeumo transfer? Is it time to look elsewhere? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.

Here at The Manchester Evening News, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis.

Make sure you don't miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.

You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.

Bryan Mbeumo still favours a move to Man United amid interest from Tottenham, now managed by Thomas Frank.

Andre Onana has advised Bryan Mbeumo to join Manchester United amid the club's focus on signing the Brentford forward.

Mbeumo wants to move to United despite late interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Onana played a role in swaying Cameroon teammate Mbeumo.

The pair were not on international duty earlier this month for Cameroon's friendlies against Uganda and Equatorial Guinea and last lined up together in the national team's World Cup qualifying win against Libya in March.

Onana is expected to stay at United despite struggling in his first two seasons at the club. United head coach Ruben Amorim enjoys a warm working relationship with the former Inter Milan goalkeeper.

United have a long history of their players using national team get-togethers to try and sway international teammates to join the club. More recently, Erik ten Hag reunited with six players at United that he coached at Ajax.

Sources say Spurs are aggressively pursuing Mbeumo following the appointment of Thomas Frank as their manager from Brentford. Frank coached Mbeumo for six years as the Bees became an established Premier League side.

United have had an offer of £45million and £10m in add-ons rejected by Brentford for Mbeumo, who is out of contract next year but there is a one-year option to extend his deal until 2027.

Mbeumo was present at the Canadian Grand Prix on Sunday and told Sky Sports he "accepts" the transfer speculation. "It is a bit new for me, I would say! I think it can be the life of a footballer and you need to accept it.

"He (Frank)'s done so much for me. He literally trusted me from the start. I think he developed the team so well. He developed me as a human and a player as well.

"So I can only wish him all the best, and I'm sure he's going to do well."

---

Here at the Manchester Evening News, we're dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis.

Make sure you don't miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.

You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.

Bryan Mbeumo is the subject of interest from Man United and Tottenham after a fabulous season with Brentford.

Manchester United remain confident of finalising a deal for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo despite interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

Mbeumo has told confidants he only wants to join United but well-placed sources say that has not deterred Spurs, who appointed Thomas Frank as their new coach last week.

Frank managed Mbeumo for six years at Brentford and Europa League winners Spurs have Champions League football to offer after a five-year absence from the competition.

Although sources say Spurs are "going hard" for Mbeumo and are potentially prepared to offer him a higher salary, United are still regarded as the frontrunners on account of the player's wish to join the club. United's opening offer of £45million and £10m in add-ons was rejected earlier this month.

Mbeumo, 25, scored a superb 20 goals in 38 Premier League starts for Brentford last season and is viewed as the second of three attacking targets for United, who completed the signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolves last week.

United also intend to recruit a striker after their worst goalscoring season in 35 years, with a move delayed after prime target Liam Delap elected to join Chelsea.

Mbeumo would be an option up front, as one of the two playmakers and on the right wing in United coach Ruben Amorim's 3-4-2-1 system. Mbeumo started the majority of games last term on the right wing, a problem position at United for 13 years.

Mbeumo was present at the Canadian Grand Prix on Sunday and told Sky Sports he "accepts" the transfer speculation. "It is a bit new for me, I would say! I think it can be the life of a footballer and you need to accept it.

"He (Frank)'s done so much for me. He literally trusted me from the start. I think he developed the team so well. He developed me as a human and a player as well.

"So I can only wish him all the best, and I'm sure he's going to do well."

---

Here at the Manchester Evening News, we're dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis.

Make sure you don't miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.

You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.

Bryan Mbeumo has emerged as one of the most sought-after players in the Premier League, with Manchester United and Tottenham keen to sign the Brentford forward in the summer transfer window

Bryan Mbeumo previously expressed his desire to compete in the "biggest competitions" and play for "the best clubs", amids interest from Manchester United and Tottenham. Following a stellar 20-goal season in the Premier League, the Brentford forward is poised for a summer transfer.

The 25-year-old has just completed his most successful campaign at Brentford, having joined from French club Troyes six years ago for a then-record fee of £5.8 million. Mbeumo finds himself at the centre of attention with bids from both Manchester United and Spurs.

Earlier in the month, it appeared that Mbeumo was United-bound, with reports indicating he had 'prioritised' a move to Old Trafford. But Tottenham's interest has thrown a spanner in the works, with his Brentford manager Thomas Frank having taken charge at Spurs.

The Danish coach is keen on taking Mbeumo with him to North London after replacing Ange Postecoglou, despite Spurs' defeat of United in the Europa League final.

Tottenham lodged a £70m bid for Mbeumo this week - after United's first offer of £45m plus another £10m in add-ons was rejected. There have been reports since claiming that Mbeumo is now 'more open' to remaining in London, and remarks from the player last May may give an insight into the player's thinking, reports the Mirror.

Interest in Mbeumo emerged strongly back in the summer of 2024 after a season in which he netted nine league goals, drawing the attention of Liverpool and Newcastle United.

In response to speculation about a move to another Premier League club, Mbeumo told L'Equipe at the time: "I have spent five years at Brentford, at a club that has allowed me to grow and pass a milestone but yes, I would like to play in the biggest competitions, at the best clubs. It is tantalising to see some big clubs interested in me."

While United are facing a season without European football due to finishing 15th, Tottenham will be playing in the Champions League after their victory over Ruben Amorim's side in the Europa League final.

But United finished narrowly above Tottenham in the Premier League table.

This summer, Mbeumo has given little away regarding his preferred destination, although he did mark Frank's departure from Brentford in an Instagram post.

The 25-year-old shared photos of himself and Frank, accompanied by two prayer emojis.

United have already wrapped up the signing of Matheus Cunha this summer. The playmaker arrived in a £62.5m deal from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Manchester United transfer news as Ruben Amorim faces looking at alternatives for Bryan Mbeumo

Manchester United face the possibility of conceding defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the race to land Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo. Reports this week have claimed that the forward is now considering a move to the capital after Thomas Frank joined Spurs.

Sky Sports have reported that Mbeumo views Spurs as 'intriguing' after previous reports earlier this month suggested United had been confident of signing the right-sided winger.

The Manchester Evening News understands that the 25-year-old remained focused on a move to Old Trafford this week after United submitted a bid of £45million, plus £10m in add-ons - which was rejected.

Tottenham's interest in the versatile forward has provided United with an unwanted headache after feeling they had received enough reassurances from Mbeumo that Manchester was his preferred destination.

Ruben Amorim has already missed out on one of his early transfer window targets after Liam Delap decided to join Chelsea. The prospect of failing to land Mbeumo would leave United back to square one in the hunt for another attacking reinforcement.

Fortunately, there is an array of talented, attack-minded players who will be eager to move to the Premier League and make the next step in their career. PSV Eindhoven's Johan Bakayoko, who has just one year left on his deal, is said to be available for £17m and could be a player United turn to.

The Belgium international has been linked with the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool in recent years. Bakayoko scored 12 goals and assisted three last season after scoring and assisting 14 in 2023/24.

In the summer of 2024, the 22-year-old admitted his ambition to make the next step in his career. "It is also possible that I will leave next year, but I still have to discuss it carefully with my agent. It will also partly depend on PSV, where I will play next season," he said.

"I can handle a place at the top. If I were to leave Eindhoven, it would only be to a club that plays for trophies, just like PSV. Becoming champion is what I want. And win the Champions League. I have the qualities for that.

"PSV has won the title and achieved something again in Europe. That mission has been completed, but now we have to see whether there will be a next mission and what the club has left for me."

After revealing his ambition of winning the Ballon d'Or, Bakayoko could be on the move this summer, with Dutch outlet ED.NL suggesting PSV 'would like to sell him' due to his contract length shortening.

Ruud van Nistelrooy, former United striker, assistant manager and interim head coach, worked with the winger at PSV and integrated him into the first-team back in 2022. "You can see that he has power and also a good shot," he said.

"He plays such controlled football that you forget that he is only 18. If he continues to invest so much in what he does, he is a boy who is on the right track to join the first team at the end of the season."

Bryan Mbeumo has been linked with a move from Brentford to Manchester United this summer, but is now said to be considering reuniting with Thomas Frank at Tottenham

Bryan Mbeumo has added fuel to the transfer fire on social media, following reports that Tottenham Hotspur want to intercept his proposed move to Manchester United. The Brentford forward is rumoured to be swayed after Spurs announced head coach Thomas Frank as Ange Postecoglou's successor on Thursday.

Earlier this summer, Mbeumo reportedly selected United as his preferred club despite competing interest from Arsenal, Newcastle United and Tottenham. However, this decision was made before Frank left Brentford for North London, and it's suggested that the Dane wants his star player to follow him.

United are still in pole position to sign the Cameroon international but have not yet made a second bid after their initial £55million offer was turned down. The bid consisted of a £45m upfront fee with £10m in add-ons.

Brentford are allegedly holding out for £60m, and whether United are willing to meet that price could be the deciding factor.

Mbeumo didn't respond to Frank's departure from the Bees on social media until Friday afternoon, amid reports of Spurs' interest, reports the Express.

The 25-year-old used his Instagram story to share Brentford's post confirming Frank's exit, captioning it with two prayer emojis.

It hasn't helped to calm the swirling speculation about his future, with United hoping Mbeumo will move to Old Trafford.

Significant developments on Mbeumo's future are expected next week after the summer transfer window re-opens until September 1 on Monday.

Frank has been open about his wish to continue working with Mbeumo. Reflecting on their successful six-year partnership at Brentford, Frank said before the window opened: "I'm the head coach. I want my best players to stay forever.

"I know that Bryan is very happy being here at Brentford, he's thriving, doing well and playing fantastic. What happens in the future? I don't know.

"I know that Bryan is very happy being here at Brentford, he's thriving, doing well and playing fantastic. What happens in the future? I don't know.

"I've said many times: we are a selling club. But at the same time, we have to reinforce that there are 10 clubs in the world that aren't selling clubs."

"So, of course, if the right price - and that's going to be expensive - is coming, then I'm sure the club will be open for it.

"But I'm very happy he's here, and I'm convinced that Bryan will still be happy playing football here."

Tottenham have reportedly earmarked Antoine Semenyo and Tyler Dibling as possible options if Mbeumo heads to United.

Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo is currently the top priority for Manchester United ahead of the summer transfer window reopening

Manchester United are reportedly having to come to terms with the news that Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo may consider Tottenham Hotspur a viable option when the transfer window reopens.

According to Sky Sports News, Mbeumo now considers a move to Spurs as 'intriguing' as his future looks more and more likely to be away from Brentford. It comes after Tottenham formally announced fthe appointment of the Cameroonian's former manager Thomas Frank, replacing Ange Postecoglou in the hot seat.

It is thought that now his old manager is at the club, Tottenham is a more lucrative proposition for Mbeumo than it once was. This report will come as a shock for the Reds after they had been confident of signing the predominantly right-sided winger this summer.

The Manchester Evening News understands that Mbeumo remained clearly focused on a move to Old Trafford this week despite the prospect of Frank arriving at Spurs. United had submitted a bid of £45m, plus £10m in add-ons for the 25-year-old which is understood to have been rejected.

However, negotiations remained ongoing and United felt they had received enough reassurance from Mbeumo that Old Trafford was his preferred destination. The Sky report claims that Tottenham's interest remains in its infancy, with initial enquiries having been made about the forward's availability.

Should United now miss out on Mbeumo, the start to their transfer window suddenly becomes a little more bleak as this would be the second high profile target they have missed out. Liam Delap was seen as a priority for the Reds at the beginning of the summer but he would eventually choose to join Chelsea instead.

Here at The Manchester Evening News, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis.

Make sure you don't miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.

You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.

Former Manchester United coach Andreas Georgson has reunited with Thomas Frank at Tottenham Hotspur after leaving the Reds last month

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed that former Manchester United coach Andreas Georgson has joined Thomas Frank's backroom staff at Spurs.

The Swede is a set-piece coach who has worked with Frank previously before moving on to Arsenal and then the Reds. Georgson joined United in July and was retained by Ruben Amorim following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag in October.

But he left United in May and the Manchester Evening News understands the 43-year-old acknowledged there was less space in the new set-up for the role he was originally brought in for. Amorim has put his assistant, Carlos Fernandes, in charge of set pieces.

And Georgson will now reunite with Frank in north London after the former Brentford boss was confirmed as Ange Postecoglou's successor at Tottenham on Thursday evening.

"We are delighted to announce the appointment of Thomas Frank as our new Head Coach on a contract that runs until 2028," Spurs' statement confirming the news read.

"Thomas has extensive experience in English football having joined Brentford in 2016 - since becoming one of the longest-serving current managers in the Premier League.

"During his time at Brentford he transformed the club, moving them up from the Championship to an established Premier League side, consistently and significantly outperforming expectations for an extended period of time.

"In Thomas we are appointing one of the most progressive and innovative head coaches within the game. He has a proven track record in player and squad development and we look forward to him leading the team as we prepare for the season ahead.

"Thomas will be joined from Brentford by Justin Cochrane (First Team Assistant Coach), Chris Haslam (Head of Performance & First Team Assistant Coach) and Joe Newton (First Team Coach Analyst), with Andreas Georgson (First Team Assistant Coach) arriving from Manchester United."

Here at The Manchester Evening News, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis.

Make sure you don't miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.

You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.

Man United have been linked with Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in recent weeks.

The wife of Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has played down suggestions the emotions he showed after their final Premier League home game of the season last month were an indicator that he is leaving the club.

Martinez, 32, has been linked with a move to Manchester United in recent weeks amid speculation he is set to leave Villa Park this summer.

The Argentina international committed his future to Villa as recently as last summer, signing a new deal to keep him at the club until 2029, meaning they are fairly relaxed about his future.

He joined the Midlands outfit from Arsenal in September 2020 in a £20million deal.

Nevertheless, his emotional reaction after Villa's 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Villa Park sparked speculation that could have been his final home game for the club.

However, the goalkeeper's wife, Mandinha, has dismissed suggestions that was his way of saying farewell to Villa's supporters.

"He wasn't in tears," she told Ed James on BBC WM, when asked if it was a goodbye to the fans or not.

"No. Anybody who knows Emi knows he is an emotional character and that's who he is. It just shows you how much he loves the Villa fans. I love the Villa fans. We love Villa."

Martinez, who was sent-off against United at Old Trafford on the final day of the season last month after clattering into Rasmus Hojlund outside the penalty area, has grown as a goalkeeper since joining Villa almost five years ago.

His achievements include helping them qualify for the Champions League, winning the 2022 World Cup and two Copa America crowns with Argentina.

Here at the Manchester Evening News, we're dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis.

Make sure you don't miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.

You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.

Bryan Mbeumo has a big decision to make this summer as Man United and Tottenham battle it out for his signature, with a former Old Trafford star now offering his view

Bryan Mbeumo has been advised to choose a move to Tottenham over Manchester United as the competition for his signature intensifies.

The Red Devils are keen to make the sought-after Brentford forward their next summer signing in a deal worth £60million, having already secured Matheus Cunha from Wolves. However, it's understood that Tottenham are trying to entice Mbeumo to north London.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank is expected to take over from Ange Postecoglou at Spurs next week. It's believed that the Danish boss is keen to bring Mbeumo with him, despite United having extensive discussions with the 25-year-old about a move to Old Trafford.

The Cameroon international now faces a significant decision, with United prepared to offer him a more lucrative deal, but Spurs offering Champions League football and the chance to continue working with Frank.

A former United goalkeeper has given his opinion on what Mbeumo's next step should be, surprisingly advising him to opt for Tottenham. Ben Foster, who played for United between 2005 and 2010, believes Spurs have greater potential for success under Frank next season and will aid his development as a player.

"I would say that if you want to be part of something that's going to make you a better footballer and work hard and be part of a team, then go to Spurs with Thomas Frank," the former Wrexham keeper said on his Fozcast podcast.

"If you are happy picking up your wages knowing that there's going to be an awful lot more pressure, a lot more eyes on you, a lot more judgement and failure is just part of what they do, then you'd go to Manchester United."

Mbeumo has turned heads across the Premier League after netting 20 league goals last season, complemented by seven assists which played a significant role in Brentford's impressive top-half finish. Despite Newcastle's failed attempt to secure his services in January, interest remains high.

United have reportedly tabled two offers for Mbeumo, who appears open to a switch, despite their shaky start under Ruben Amorim. However, with no agreement reached with Brentford as yet, Tottenham could swoop in and outpace their rivals for the forward's signature.

Foster has thrown his support behind Mbeumo, tipping him for success wherever he lands next term. The ex-England keeper lauded his character while discussing his potential.

"I'm not questioning Bryan Mbeumo about his ability, about his mentality or about what he's like as a person," Foster said. "There's nothing to show me that I should have any worries about it. Whoever he goes and plays for, I think he would improve them and he gets into the starting line-up.

"He's got a proven record of being fit and scoring goals. He could get into pretty much all of the 20 Premier League teams and I think he starts, that's how good I think Bryan Mbeumo is."

Mbeumo, who has a year remaining on his contract at Brentford with an additional year's option, is reportedly being offered around £150,000 per week by United, which could increase to £200,000 with add-ons. Meanwhile, Spurs are ready to offer him a basic package of approximately £130,000 per week.