Report: United Hold Firm at £65m Amid Rising Demands in Transfer Talks | OneFootball

Man United Hold Firm as Brentford Hike Mbeumo Price

Manchester United’s pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo has hit a snag, with Brentford unexpectedly raising their valuation of the Cameroon international to nearly £70m. According to a report by The Guardian, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and director of football Jason Wilcox are standing firm at their £65m offer — a fee they believed would secure the 25-year-old earlier this summer.

Mbeumo Wants the Move, But Brentford Dig In

At the end of June, there was quiet optimism at Old Trafford that a deal was all but done. “Mbeumo has told Brentford he wants to join United,” The Guardian reported, and privately Brentford had even suggested a medical was imminent. However, that narrative has shifted, with Brentford now flexing their contractual leverage. While Mbeumo’s current deal expires next summer, the club holds an option to extend it by a year — granting them stronger negotiating power.

Photo: IMAGO

The hike in valuation has not gone down well with United’s new football operations structure. Ratcliffe, keen to impose fiscal discipline in the transfer market, does “not wish to be held to ransom,” and United are signalling they’ll walk away if Brentford don’t compromise.

Sales May Unlock Further Spending

With money already spent on Matheus Cunha (£62.5m from Wolves), United’s recruitment strategy may now hinge on departures. The Guardian notes that the club “may first want money from the sale or loan of one of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia.” Interestingly, it’s claimed that all of these players “have asked to leave” — a revelation that could indicate a transformative summer ahead.

Ruben Amorim, still early into his United reign, is keen to add a centre-forward, but patience appears to be the current policy.

Brentford’s Busy Window

Brentford’s own business has also hit obstacles. Their late attempt to activate Omari Hutchinson’s £35m release clause fell short, as Ipswich insisted on upfront payment — a demand Brentford couldn’t meet in time. “The expiry of the clause gives Ipswich greater control of the 21-year-old’s destiny,” though a restructured offer may yet test their resolve.

Hutchinson, who starred in England’s victorious U21 Euros campaign, remains a hot property.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Manchester United fan’s perspective, this saga feels like a test of the club’s new-found transfer resolve. In previous years, United were often accused of overpaying for targets simply to get deals done — but under Sir Jim Ratcliffe, it seems those days might be behind us.

The refusal to exceed £65m for Mbeumo, despite the player’s willingness to join and the club’s need for forward reinforcements, suggests a more pragmatic, longer-term approach. Some fans may be frustrated by the delay, especially with pre-season already underway and the Premier League opener against Arsenal just weeks away, but the stance feels like a calculated gamble rather than indecision.

That said, the news that players like Rashford, Sancho, and Garnacho have reportedly asked to leave will raise eyebrows. For Garnacho, in particular — a fan favourite and symbol of youthful flair — such a development would be shocking. Many will wonder whether this is a negotiation tactic or a sign of deeper issues in the dressing room.

Ultimately, if Amorim is to rebuild effectively, United must get their outgoings right. Mbeumo is a quality player, but at £70m, fans will rightly question whether that money could be better spent — especially when other positions also need strengthening. Patience is admirable, but in the high-stakes world of Premier League football, results need to follow.