Manchester Evening News

Manchester United latest transfer news as Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo has been given a stark warning with a move to Old Trafford 'edging closer and closer' this summer

Bryan Mbeumo has been given a stark warning ahead of a proposed move to Manchester United this summer.

The Brentford frontman, who scored 20 and assisted seven in 38 Premier League games last season, has made Old Trafford his 'preferred destination' despite attracting interest from clubs around the world.

United followed by submitting their opening bid for the Cameroon international, believed to total £55million comprising of a £45million fixed fee and £10million in add-ons.

But according to Sky Sports, the west London club outright rejected the offer and value Mbeumo at over £60million —though both clubs are claimed to remain in negotiations.

A spanner has since been put in the works as reported interest of top flight rivals Tottenham Hotspur has emerged, with Daniel Levy 'close' to appointing Mbeumo's current manager Thomas Frank as Ange Postecoglou's successor.

Now an Arsenal legend has issued a strict instruction to the 25-year-old that has even left Spurs fans shocked.

Perry Groves has admitted the player should join the North London club instead, telling talkSport: "Then you are looking at Manchester United who knows they need a centre forward, it has been reported that they are in for Bryan Mbeumo as well.

"If Manchester United come in for him and Spurs are in for Mbeumo, where do you think he goes.

"If that comes as a choice, football wise he should go to, it pains me to say it, he should go to Spurs because of Champions League football, and you want to play at the highest level.

"But financially that is why Spurs are going to struggle to get to that, even with Antonio Conte, obviously Postecoglou had a bit of a moan about it, Jose Mourinho that next level, because all the top teams pay their top players £250,000 a week but Spurs are never going to do that."

United knew attracting players could prove a challenge this summer after missing out on Champions League football following the Europa League defeat to Spurs in Bilbao, and finishing 15th after a dismal Premier League campaign.

But with Mbeumo reportedly eyeing Manchester as his ideal next step, Ruben Amorim holds the cards on whether he will follow Matheus Cunha through the Old Trafford entrance door.

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.

Manchester United transfer news and rumours including the latest on the pursuit of Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo

Following the arrival of Matheus Cunha from Wolves, Manchester United are showing no signs of slowing down in the transfer market as they step up their pursuit of Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo.

It’s a crucial summer for the club, with Ruben Amorim finally given the opportunity to put his own stamp on the squad he inherited from Erik ten Hag late last year. The need for significant improvement is clear after a disappointing 15th-place finish in the Premier League and underwhelming performances in both domestic and European cup competitions.

With that in mind, MEN Sport has taken a look at the latest news and rumours surrounding United’s pursuit of Mbeumo, as the first transfer window of the summer approaches its final days.

Rivals 'enter race'

United’s hopes of signing Mbeumo may have suffered a setback on Saturday, with reports emerging that Premier League rivals Tottenham have entered the race for the Cameroon international. According to The Mirror, Thomas Frank has informed the London club of his desire to rival United for the £60 million transfer.

Spurs are currently in the market for a new manager, having parted ways with Ange Postecoglou earlier this week, despite his Europa League final victory over United last month. Brentford boss Frank is now the leading contender to replace him and appears eager to bring one of his key players with him to north London.

First bid rejected

Earlier this week, reports claimed United submitted their opening offer to Brentford for Mbeumo, totalling £55 million, comprised of a £45 million fixed fee plus £10 million in add-ons. According to Sky Sports, the bid was swiftly rejected, with Brentford valuing the 25-year-old at over £60 million.

The report also notes that the Bees are open to offers and United remain in active negotiations, determined to get a deal over the line. Mbeumo has long been admired at Old Trafford, and it's believed the coaching staff view him as a strong fit for Amorim’s system and style of play.

Mbeumo preference

United’s pursuit has intensified following encouraging signs from the player’s camp that he is keen on a move to the North West. The Athletic were first to report that Mbeumo has made United his preferred destination, despite attracting interest from elsewhere in the Premier League.

The winger enjoyed one of his most productive seasons for Brentford in 2024/25, contributing 20 goals and eight assists in all competitions. His versatility adds to his appeal, although he is most often deployed on the right flank.

---

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.

The latest Man Utd transfer news as key figures at Old Trafford continue to track Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo.

Manchester United may face trouble in their pursuit for Bryan Mbeumo with Brentford head coach Thomas Frank claimed to be demanding Tottenham Hotspur target the forward if he moves across London to become the club's new manager.

With Ruben Amorim seeking attacking strength to spring-board into next season, Mbeumo provided a welcome boost by outlining that Old Trafford is his preferred destination. United have since made an opening move worth £55million in total - which fell short of Brentford's asking price - but negotiations remain on track.

However, Spurs have emerged as a contender for the Cameroonian's signature in dramatic fashion.

The Mirror report Mbeumo's manager, Frank, to have instructed the north London club to lay down the money to beat United to the transfer - amid question marks over his own future.

He would not be just doing this out of spite, but seemingly as part of negotiations to become Spurs' manager - in the wake of Ange Postecoglou's recent sacking. The Dane is the bookies' early favourite to step in.

Posing a clear threat to Old Trafford chiefs is not only their six-year relationship as player and coach, but also the fact Spurs would be able to offer Champions League football which was, of course, claimed by beating Amorim's side in last month's Europa League final.

So, the 25-year-old must make a decision - stick with Frank if all goes to plan for him or seek a new venture.

Though as of now, Spurs and Frank have not come to any sort of arrangement over the vacant managerial post.

Mbeumo scored 20 Premier League goals last term and the Bees aren't going to be pushovers in this transfer saga. It's said £60million is what they will demand for their star player.

That total above was his best goal-scoring season in the English top-flight to date and saw him finish fourth in the race for the golden boot; behind Mohamed Salah (29), Alexander Isak (23) and Erling Haaland (22). He also grabbed eight assists.

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 to Man United transfer latest - Offer submitted, Tottenham twist, clear demands

The latest Manchester United transfer news as the club have identified the Brentford forward as a key transfer target this summer.

Manchester United have just a few days remaining to complete transfer business before the first mini transfer window of the summer closes. After opening at the start of the month, the window will close for a few days on Tuesday, 10 June.

It will re-open six days later, allowing clubs to continue with their business until the deadline on September 1 (7pm). For United, they will hope to get their second signing of the summer over the line.

The club are working hard on a potential deal for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo. If he completes a move he will join Matheus Cunha at Old Trafford with the Brazilian completing a £62.5 million move from Wolves.

Mbeumo has impressed in the Premier League with the Bees, the season just gone saw him score 20 goals in 38 league appearances. He also provided eight asists.

As United work on completing a deal, here’s the latest news on the potential transfer.

Second offer submitted

United have submitted their second offer for the forward, with reports claiming it could be their final offer to Brentford. After seeing their initial bid of £45 million plus £10 million in add-ons rejected, United have now upped their offer.

The Mirror reports that the second offer is £55 million, plus £5 million in bonuses. It is still to be seen if Brentford will accept or reject the bid, with the Bees’ valuation of the player starting at £60 million.

The report also says that personal terms over a five-year deal with wages around £200,000 per-week has already been agreed with the player.

Worrying development

United may be keeping a close eye on what is going on at Tottenham Hotspur over the next few days, with it potentially impacting the transfer of Mbeumo.

Spurs announced on Friday that they had parted ways with head coach Ange Postecoglou. Brentford boss Thomas Frank has quickly been instilled as favourite to take over.

The uncertainty at Brentford may cause them to delay a decision over Mbeumbo, and any compensation that they potentially get for Frank could mean they rise the price for Mbeumo.

There is then, of course, the threat that Frank makes a move of his own for the player if he is appointed at Tottenham. Spurs will be playing Champions League football next season after their Europa League win, and the player and manager know each other well.

It’s a situation that will be watched very closely.

Transfer demands

It has been claimed that Mbeumo has told United in talks with the club that he wants £250,000 per week if he joins the club this summer.

Here is everything you need to know about securing merch at Beyonce's London gigs

Beyonce is currently treating UK fans to six nights in London at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as part of her Cowboy Carter World Tour.

It is the first time Queen Bey has performed in the country since her Renaissance World Tour in 2023 and her UK run of performances kicked off on Wednesday, June 5 - with a further five nights on June 7, 10, 12, 14 and 16.

Over at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, there is a pop-up merchandise store available for fans who are attending the concerts over the next week.

On show days the merch store is open from 12pm to 11:30pm while on non-show days it is open 9:30am to 5:30pm.

One dedicated member of the Beyhive has shared her experience of shopping in Beyonce's merch store at Tottenham Hotspur. Kristabel Plummer posted a video on TikTok sharing some of the available merch and their prices.

She arrived at Tottenham Hotspur stadium at 11:30am to find a long queue - but security advised her that the store doesn't open until 12pm.

Kristabel said: "It actually opened at 1pm and it was absolute chaos. I think we did all manage to get in - they didn't open the fitting room so just be aware of that if you want to try things on."

She went around the Beyonce merch store at Tottenham Hotspur stadium and shared some of the available items which included various different styles of T-shirts including a London exclusive design, a 'This ain't a country tour it's a Beyonce tour' tee, and a Jolene's top among more.

All the T-shirts were £50, as were the vests. Jerseys, which came in red, blue and black were £70. A zip-up hoodie will set fans back £135.

A pack of gold hair charms cost £20 and a pack of patches is £18.

There were various caps and hats ranging from £45 to £70.

All items are available is sizes S to XXL.

Available Beyonce merch and prices

T-Shirts (multiple styles) - £50

Vests (multiple styles) - £50

Jersey (blue, red and black) - £70

Zip-up hoodies - £135

Pack of hair charms - £20

Pack Cowboy Carter patches - £18

Hats - £45 - £70

Denim shorts - £80

Merch store opening hours

On show days (June 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 16) the opening hours are 12pm to 11.30pm.

On non-show days (June 6, 8, 9, 11 and 13) the store is open from 9.30am to 5.30pm.

On June 15, the store is open from 11am to 5pm.

Be prepared to queue to access the store, choose your items and make your payment.

Beyoncé Cowboy Carter UK tour dates

Man Utd have backed Ruben Amorim to remain in charge next season, despite overseeing a dreadful campaign.

Jose Mourinho believes there are similarities between his first six months managing Porto and Ruben Amorim's time at Manchester United.

The 62-year-old won two league titles, the Taca de Portugal, the UEFA Cup, and the Champions League with Porto, which made him one of the world's most exciting coaching prospects.

However, Mourinho admitted Porto "struggled" to qualify for the UEFA Cup following his appointment in January 2002. Mourinho still guided Porto to a third-place finish in the Portuguese top flight, though, and he promised to "make Porto champions next year," which he subsequently delivered.

According to Mourinho, those six months are similar to Amorim's tenure at United, which has seen him struggle to improve the team and finish in 15th place in the Premier League.

Mourinho was asked about the Europa League final, which was contested by his former clubs, and discussed the impact of Tottenham Hotspur clinching glory in Bilbao last week.

"The impact is obvious," Mourinho told Sky Sports. "Tottenham play Champions League and of course for Mr Levy, the millions the Champions League gives, for him it’s the best news.

"For the fans, the players and Ange, it’s a title. Yes, the game was not amazing, but they made history for Tottenham because Tottenham didn’t have a trophy for so many years."

Mourinho continued: "From what I read – just what I read – the impact on United of course is huge in the sense of for how many years United are not involved in any European competition.

"But at the same time it looks like they are supporting Ruben, they are giving him time and conditions to go forward. I read some quotes from him saying he’s happy he came and already had these six months. When I went to Porto the same thing happened.

"I went in January and we had a difficult six months, we struggled even to qualify for UEFA Cup. And then we saw what happened.

"But when you ask me whether I was cheering one side? I was divided because on one side I love United and I have a fantastic relationship with Ruben. But on the other side I saw Sonny [Heung-min] crying with the cup… also for Tottenham fans, it was a special feeling."

Mourinho won the Primeira Liga title, Taca de Portugal and the UEFA Cup in his first full season at Porto and Amorim, speaking after the final day of the season, promised "good times" were coming after weathering the storm.

Amorim will strengthen his squad in the summer transfer window. Matheus Cunha is set to be the first signing of the summer and United remain interested in Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap.

---

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.

And finally, if you'd rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Manchester is Red podcast, featuring The Samuel Luckhurst Show and The Midweek Debate.

Gareth Bale could have been lining up for Manchester United as a younger player, but he decided to go to Tottenham, where he established himself as one of the most explosive forwards around

Gareth Bale looked on with delight as Tottenham Hotspur claimed their first trophy in 17 years after defeating Manchester United. Yet, the tale of the Welshman's career trajectory might have taken an alternate route had he accepted an offer from the Red Devils rather than joining Spurs.

Almost twenty years back, a youthful Bale was stealing headlines as a full-back, finding the net five times and setting up another 12 over 45 matches for Southampton, who were then in the Championship. Daniel Levy, stepping into the role of Spurs chairman, had his eye on Bale but faced formidable competition from Premier League titan Sir Alex Ferguson and the board at Manchester United.

However, Bale shunned the advances of Ferguson in favour of a move to north London in 2007. Reflecting on this pivotal choice in 2023 on his Airwayz channel, Bale credited the decision as instrumental in his success.

The now-35-year-old said: "I rejected Manchester United and went to Tottenham. At that time, United were the biggest team in the league, they were winning trophies, they had the biggest players, the best manager.

"The easiest decision would be to go to Man United and the biggest club. You always want to be at the biggest clubs but I took the approach that I wanted to be playing first-team football."

Bale's decision to join Spurs led to a six-season spell which saw him transition from left-back to a much more influential forward. He notched up 42 goals across 142 appearances, leaving a mark during his tenure in the Premier League.

The Welshman then secured a sensational move to Spanish titans Real Madrid in 2013, setting a world-record fee at the time of £85million. He linked up with superstars such as ex-United star Cristiano Ronaldo, Angel Di Maria, Karim Benzema, Sergio Ramos, Casemiro, and Luka Modric.

During his nine seasons wearing the revered Madrid strip, Bale scored 106 goals over 258 appearances, winning five Champions League titles, three La Liga triumphs, and numerous other honours.

A loan spell back at Spurs was followed by a stint with Los Angeles FC before he retired in 2023, cementing his legacy as one of the prodigious talents in both Welsh and global football history.

Some might think Bale would rue bypassing Ferguson's United, who seized the Premier League crown in 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2013 under Sir Alex, for Spurs. But the ex-winger insisted that at a young age, regular first-team action meant more to him than monetary gain or immediate success.

He added: "At that age, a lot of players would go for the money and would want to go to a bigger club.

"But I was playing, developing and learning. It was an important part of my development to keep playing first-team football because you can't replicate that."

Now, it seems Bale gets to smirk at the side he could have joined, especially after their disheartening European clash this past week.

During TNT Sport's coverage of Spurs' 1-0 triumph in the Europa League final, Bale was asked if the victory would dispel the 'Spursy' label often associated with the club's history of near misses.

He swiftly turned the conversation to United's recent struggles, as he added: "It could be a United-y thing now, I am telling you. But it gets rid of that stigma now for sure, and hopefully we can build on it."

Manchester United missed out on European football next season after losing the Europa League final 1-0 to Tottenham Hotspur this week

Manchester United have been handed a meagre boost after missing out on Champions League football next season.

United went into the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur as the favourites to win and claim their place at European football's top table. However, the Reds underperformed in Bilbao and were made to pay as Brennan Johnson's only goal won the trophy for Spurs.

Now, United face the reality of no European football next season with the Reds instead turning their full focus to the domestic campaign as they look to rebuild their confidence under Ruben Amorim. With the lack of European football comes a significant drop in money coming into the club.

Ineos will therefore have to rely on player sales to help increase Amorim's transfer fund. Ultimately, the future looks bleak for the Reds at present but they have at least managed to miss out on an embarrassing moment in the Champions League next season.

This year, UEFA have introduced a new format to their European competitions. Instead of the group stage, the Champions League and Europa League had a 36-team league phase to begin the tournament.

Each team was placed into one of four pots and would go on to face two teams from each pot in the first phase. Previously, the Europa League winners would get a place automatically in Pot A due to their performance in the second-tier competition.

Now, it is only the Champions League winner who is guaranteed a place in Pot A next season. The rest are assigned a position based on their UEFA coefficient ranking.

As each team must play two clubs from each pot, the advantage of being in Pot A is greatly reduced. However, that will not avoid the embarrassment for Spurs when they are likely placed in a lower pot due to their poor performance in the Premier League this season.

The exact pots for each team will be decided once the qualifying rounds have been completed. Ultimately, this is a meagre boost for United who would much rather be in the Champions League than out of it.

But, the hope from the United camp will be that without the distraction of European football, they can return to at least the Europa League for the 2026/27 season.

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 failed to qualify for next season's Champions League following Wednesday night's 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final.

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has already accepted his team's Premier League form will have to be "perfect" next season after failing to qualify for the Champions League.

United were beaten 1-0 by Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final in Bilbao on Wednesday night, meaning they will not be involved in any European competition next season for the first time since the 2014/15 campaign.

Heading into the final at the San Mames Stadium sat 16th in the Premier League table, United knew a victory in the Basque Country represented their only route into Europe for next season.

However, Brennan Johnson netted the only goal of the game to ensure Spurs secured the Champions League place reserved for the Europa League winners, leaving United to reflect on what could have been. It means Amorim's side will have to concentrate on the Premier League, the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup next term.

Although it might not seem like it at this moment in time, being without European football next term could be beneficial to United and Amorim, who said ahead of the final that he and his team "need more time" on the training ground to improve United's fortunes.

"We need more time with the team," Amorim declared, speaking last week. "We need to arrange a lot of things in Carrington that we need more time to not think game by game by game.

"And then we have the squad. We proved this year we need to be a better squad if we want to win European games and then be really competitive during the Premier League it's going to be tough. So my feeling is that."

As a result of failing to qualify for Europe, United's schedule will be reduced by a minimum of eight games next season. As a result of the extra time on the training ground that will generate, Amorim has already accepted his side's domestic form will have to be faultless.

He added: "For sure, if we don't win [against Spurs]. But I'm not concerned about that.

"It's going to be really bad. I don't want to use that as an excuse, it's going to be really tough. The patience of the fans and you guys, the patience for next season and the limit will have to be perfect."

A few days earlier, Amorim had issued a scathing assessment of his side's struggles following a 2-0 defeat to West Ham United at Old Trafford, where he admitted that he was unsure if playing in the Champions League next season would be beneficial.

"To be honest with you, I'm not concerned about the final, it's by far the smallest problem in our club," the United boss admitted. "We need to change something that is deeper than this.

"We are showing in the end of the season, playing Premier League and Champions League for us is the moon. We need to know that and I'm not concerned about the final. They will be focused.

"I don't know what is best. If it's playing Champions League or not."

Manchester United fell at the final hurdle in the Europa League as they lost 1-0 to Tottenham at the San Mames in Bilbao.

Spurs took the lead on the stroke of half time as United made a mess of clearing Pape Sarr’s cross and the ball struck Luke Shaw before bouncing beyond Andre Onana.

A Guglielmo Vicario error gave Rasmus Hojlund the chance to equalise in the second half but the United striker’s effort was cleared off the line by Micky van de Ven.

United kept pushing in search of an equalising goal but couldn’t find a way through as Vicario denied Shaw late on.

Here are how the players and manager rated at the San Mames:

Andre Onana

There were a couple of breakdowns in communication on another unconvincing night for the goalkeeper. A spectator for the second half. 5

Leny Yoro

Got away with a casual bit of play inside his own half. Went close to equalising when he grazed Bruno Fernandes' free kick. 6

Harry Maguire

The most commanding of the back three, though United oddly had little hassle all night from Tottenham in their own third. 6

Luke Shaw

Started sluggishly and did not perk up as he was credited with the own goal. Should not have started and somehow stayed on. 4

Noussair Mazraoui

Defensively fine but barely attacked from his right-wing role and that was always bound to be an issue in this final. 6

Casemiro

Not as exposed as he was at Tottenham in February but could not exert the influence he wielded in the previous knockout rounds. 5

Bruno Fernandes

Began enterprisingly before fading in the first half and struggled to summon up any inspiration as United endeavoured to get an equaliser. 4

Patrick Dorgu

Started by default and did not cover himself in glory for Shaw's own goal and misused the ball too often. Out of his depth. 4

Mason Mount

A dubious pick ahead of Alejandro Garnacho, Mount did nothing of note all night on his sixth club final start. Made way for Garnacho. 5

Amad

United's brightest attacker and patently unnerved Spurs left back Destiny Udogie. Spurs kept him in check more in the second half. 6

Rasmus Hojlund

Struggled to get a kick in the first half but got his head to the ball in the second, only to see it cleared off the line by Van de Ven. 5

Subs

Joshua Zirkzee

First appearance in 38 days after Hojlund fired blanks again. Booked. 5

Alejandro Garnacho

Did more in his first few minutes than Mount did in 70, drawing a save. 6

Diogo Dalot

Returned from injury with five minutes to go. 5

Kobbie Mainoo

Came on with 90 minutes played. N/A

Manager

Got it wrong starting Mount at the expense of Garnacho and the strategic pick of Shaw gifted Tottenham a goal. Took too long to make a sub. 4