Man Utd agree £65m deal to sign Brentford’s Mbeumo

Manchester United are on the verge of securing their third major signing of the summer, agreeing to a £65 million deal with Brentford for forward Bryan Mbeumo. The fee, which could rise to £70 million with add-ons, comes after weeks of negotiations and represents a significant investment in a player manager Ruben Amorim believes is the key to revitalizing his attack.

After seeing two previous bids rejected, United finally met Brentford’s valuation for the 25-year-old Cameroon international, who is now expected to undergo a medical before joining the squad for their pre-season tour in the United States. He follows striker Matheus Cunha and left-back Diego Leon as new arrivals at Old Trafford.

While the price tag is substantial, making Mbeumo Brentford’s biggest-ever sale, the underlying statistics from his career-best 2024-25 season reveal exactly why he became a priority target for United.

Mbeumo is not just a goalscorer; he is a complete modern forward whose versatility and work rate make him an ideal fit for the high-intensity system Amorim is implementing. Last season, he was a model of consistency and productivity, scoring 20 goals and providing seven assists in the Premier League. His shot conversion rate of 23.53% was among the best in the division, surpassed only by Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak, highlighting a clinical edge United sorely lacked.

Crucially, his value extends far beyond his finishing. Mbeumo’s ability to drive with the ball at his feet is a unique asset; he was responsible for nine carries of over five metres that directly led to a goal last season, the most of any player in the league. This dynamic threat is something United have struggled to find consistently from their wide players.

Furthermore, his defensive work rate aligns perfectly with Amorim’s tactical demands. The manager’s system requires forwards to press relentlessly from the front, and Mbeumo excels in this area, winning possession in the attacking third 32 times last season—ranking him third among all Premier League players.

For a club that has seen inconsistency from forwards like Alejandro Garnacho and Antony, Mbeumo represents a reliable, Premier League-proven performer entering his peak years. His ability to play across the front line—as a central striker or cutting in from the right wing onto his stronger left foot—provides Amorim with the tactical flexibility he craves.

While questions may be asked about whether he can replicate his standout season at a club with the immense pressure of Manchester United, the club’s hierarchy clearly believes he is the answer. They see an experienced, durable, and multi-faceted attacker who can be trusted to deliver goals, assists, and the relentless work rate required to make Amorim’s system a success.