Manchester United Hesitate as Brentford Demand More Than £63m for Star | OneFootball

Bryan Mbeumo Deserves More Than Delay as Manchester United Stall

Frustration Growing on Both Sides

Manchester United’s pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo has reached a tense standoff. Despite the Brentford forward clearly signalling his desire to move to Old Trafford, the two clubs remain deadlocked. According to The Standard, Mbeumo “has made clear he wants to move to Old Trafford” but United have failed with two bids, both falling short of Brentford’s valuation.

Brentford are reportedly holding out for more than £63 million, citing recent fees such as the £55 million Newcastle are paying Nottingham Forest for Anthony Elanga and Chelsea’s valuation of Noni Madueke at over £50 million. The west London club believe “their valuation is not only fair but perhaps even lower than market value.”

Photo: IMAGO

Valuation and Negotiation Tensions

Brentford’s resolve is clear. Director of football Phil Giles is described as “a shrewd negotiator” and holds the option to extend Mbeumo’s contract until the end of the 2026–27 season. That puts the Bees in a powerful position, unwilling to drop their price regardless of Manchester United’s hesitance.

Despite Brentford’s openness to other offers, United’s indecision continues to frustrate. Mbeumo, a boyhood United fan who netted 20 Premier League goals last season, is reportedly keen and has been “encouraged by the wage package on offer were he to move to Old Trafford.”

Strategic Patience from Brentford

Giles said recently he “could envisage Mbeumo staying at the club next season,” underlining that Brentford “will not be held to ransom” and are “comfortable with keeping hold of Mbeumo if their asking price is not met.” With both captain Christian Norgaard and manager Thomas Frank likely to move on, Brentford could face a broader reset, but only on their terms.

United’s Need for Decisive Action

United’s forward planning remains opaque. Having spent £62.5 million on Matheus Cunha earlier in the window, fans may wonder why a more clinical and Premier League-proven asset like Mbeumo is being subjected to prolonged haggling. With pre-season looming and the player expected back next Monday, clarity is essential.

Our View – EPL Index

As a United fan, you cannot help but get excited about the thought of Bryan Mbeumo in red. The lad scored 20 goals last season and has the kind of direct pace and Premier League experience we desperately need. Plus, he actually wants to play for us. In an era when too many players view United as a payday, that kind of hunger matters.

However, watching the club dilly-dally while Brentford stay firm is frustrating. Mbeumo is worth the £63 million, especially when you consider that Elanga, who barely got a sniff at United, is going for £55 million. Brentford are doing nothing wrong. They are protecting their asset and have every right to demand proper value.

You get the feeling that if this drags on, someone else might swoop in. And United would once again be left scrambling late in the window. It’s time to act like a club of ambition again and back a manager who clearly needs goal threats. Mbeumo would walk into our starting eleven.

If United can spend over £60 million on Cunha, they can pay for a proven match-winner like Mbeumo. Do it now before we regret it.