
EPL Index
·3 juin 2025
Goldbridge: “Mbeumo wants United over Arsenal and Newcastle – We still have that pull”

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Yahoo sportsEPL Index
·3 juin 2025
In a brisk and revealing United Stand episode filmed from a high-rise in New York, Mark Goldbridge unpacked a suite of developments surrounding Manchester United’s transfer outlook, casting a spotlight on Bruno Fernandes’ decision to stay, Jadon Sancho’s problematic return, and Bryan Mbeumo’s potential arrival.
Goldbridge opened emphatically: “Bruno Fernandez is staying and Mbeumo’s advancing. Jadon Sancho coming back.” The Fernandes saga dominated the segment. Amid speculation linking the Portuguese midfielder with a lucrative Saudi move, Goldbridge dissected the nuances.
“He took three weeks to turn down a deal he could have turned down in three minutes,” he said, stressing that Fernandes didn’t jump to reject Saudi interest, but declined due to a deeper loyalty to European competition. “If Bayern Munich or Barcelona or Real Madrid had come in for him, I think he’d have gone.”
In one of the most telling lines, Goldbridge argued, “Bruno Fernandez probably has sent a very big message to Manchester United that none of us ever could,” suggesting the club captain’s hesitation revealed frustration with the club’s recent trajectory.
Still, Goldbridge rallied around Fernandes: “Let’s just get behind our captain. Amorim wanted to keep him. We move on together.”
The update on Jadon Sancho was far less celebratory. Goldbridge minced no words: “There is a player that’s a waste of space.”
Frustration was palpable as he lambasted Sancho for rejecting a permanent Chelsea move: “Didn’t want to be at Man United, caused loads of problems and now doesn’t want to stay at Chelsea because they won’t give him the wages.”
His conclusion was blunt: “There’s just no way back, is there really?”
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Goldbridge offered high praise to journalist Ben Jacobs for his insights on Bryan Mbeumo, saying, “He’s been so good this summer,” especially on both the Bruno and Mbeumo fronts.
The Ivorian forward is reportedly keen to join United, which Goldbridge found remarkable: “The fact that he wants to come and play for Manchester United over Arsenal, Newcastle or whoever is crazy.”
Still, Brentford’s valuation – reportedly around £60 million – could pose a stumbling block. “There’s no release clause,” he explained. “If Brentford say we want 60 million or we’re not going to let him go… it’ll be a long protracted affair.”
Despite that, optimism remained: “I think ultimately I think we will do [the deal]. And I think it’s a good deal.”
What struck Goldbridge about potential signings, like Mbeumo, was their pedigree and understated profile.
“They’re not British for a start… I just think we overhype the British players,” he said. “They’re both 25… not learner drivers who are 20 or 19 or 22 with British passports.”
His preference was clear: “They tend to come in with a better work ethic… and less hype.”
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