Report: Man United build new attack with Brentford star at the heart of plans | OneFootball

Red Devils Intensify Summer Rebuild with Eyes on Brentford Star After Cunha Deal

Manchester United have tabled an improved offer exceeding £60 million for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, sources have told ESPN, as the club accelerates its summer recruitment drive under the guidance of incoming manager Rúben Amorim.

The revised bid follows an initial package worth around £55m, which was rejected by Brentford. United’s latest approach signals their determination to secure Mbeumo’s signature swiftly, with the Cameroonian international now a clear priority at Old Trafford.

Mbeumo, who scored a stunning 20 goals in the Premier League last season, has emerged as one of the most reliable and versatile forwards in the top flight. Often deployed off the right or through the middle, his combination of intelligent movement, tireless pressing, and end-product has earned admiring glances from across the league.

While Newcastle United have also registered interest, sources close to the player indicate that the 25-year-old favours a move to United — a significant boost for Amorim’s blueprint to revitalise the club’s attacking fortunes.

Cunha Secured, Mbeumo Targeted

United’s aggressive approach in the market has already yielded success with Matheus Cunha, who is set to join from Wolves after the club agreed to activate the £62.5m release clause in his contract. The Brazilian’s move is expected to be formalised following the international break, giving Amorim another attacking outlet to build around.

Now, the focus turns squarely to Mbeumo.

Amorim has made no secret of the need to inject pace, creativity, and cutting edge into a side that struggled for fluency and goals last season. United scored just 57 goals in the Premier League — fewer than Aston Villa and Spurs — and only marginally more than Brentford, a club operating on a vastly smaller budget.

Mbeumo’s ability to stretch defences and contribute across the front line is seen as a perfect fit for Amorim’s dynamic, high-pressing style. Club insiders suggest the Portuguese tactician views Mbeumo as a foundational piece in his attacking unit, especially given uncertainty over the futures of Marcus Rashford and Antony.

Brentford Braced for Departure

While Brentford are reluctant to part with their talisman, there is growing acceptance that Mbeumo could leave this summer — especially at a fee north of £60m. The Bees are expected to command a significant upfront payment, with performance-based add-ons pushing the final value higher.

The West London club have built a reputation for smart recruitment and may already be lining up replacements, with manager Thomas Frank keen to reinvest in multiple positions.

A Statement Signing?

For Manchester United, the potential acquisition of Bryan Mbeumo would represent more than just another forward on the books. It would signal intent — a willingness to move decisively in the market and hand their new manager the tools to succeed.

Whether Mbeumo can replicate his Brentford form under the pressure of Old Trafford remains to be seen, but the ingredients are there: elite athleticism, tactical intelligence, and a growing pedigree in England’s top tier.

One thing is certain: United aren’t waiting around this summer.

Where would Mbeumo Fit it?

Amorim’s 3-4-3 Blueprint: Inside the System

Since his Sporting CP days, Amorim has remained loyal to a flexible 3-4-3 that transforms in and out of possession. The front three consists of two inside forwards flanking a central striker, often encouraged to press high and drift between the lines. The wing-backs provide width, while the midfield double pivot focuses on progression and stability.

It’s a system that asks a lot of the wide attackers. They must:

At Brentford, Mbeumo has done exactly that.

Mbeumo’s Profile: What He Brings

1. Positional Intelligence

Mbeumo excels in occupying the inside-right channel, operating in the corridor between full-back and centre-back. He’s not a traditional winger; instead, he thrives as an inverted forward who drifts into central areas to receive, turn, and shoot.

In 2024–25, only Mohamed Salah and Bukayo Saka had more touches in the opposition box among right-sided forwards — a testament to Mbeumo’s attacking instincts.

2. Pressing Machine

Under Thomas Frank, Mbeumo was one of the most aggressive pressers in the league. His defensive output — 18.2 pressures per 90 minutes — puts him in the top 10% of Premier League forwards. Amorim’s system hinges on a high press, and Mbeumo fits the mould perfectly.

3. Output and Efficiency

With 20 Premier League goals and 6 assists last season, Mbeumo produced a goal contribution every 126 minutes — elite numbers for a player in a mid-table side. More impressively, he consistently overperformed his xG, suggesting a finisher who thrives in big moments.

Cunha, Mbeumo and AN Other: A New-Look Front Three?

Should both Cunha and Mbeumo arrive as expected, Amorim will have the makings of a fluid, interchangeable front line:

The trio offers pace, technical variety, and spatial awareness — three pillars of Amorim’s offensive principles.

Additionally, Mbeumo’s presence allows United to shift from 3-4-3 to a more traditional 4-2-3-1 without losing width or intensity, especially against deeper blocks.