Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo has decided he wants to join Manchester United, with talks set to open between the two clubs over a potential transfer, according to reports.
United ended their 2024-25 Premier League season disastrously, finishing 15th with just 42 points, the Red Devils' worst placement and points total in the competition's history.
Boss Ruben Amorim has come under severe pressure, especially as his side lost the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur earlier in May, and he will need to start next season positively to avoid further scrutiny.
Amorim has been boosted by the news that his side have agreed a deal to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Cunha, but the Brazilian will need to be one of a number of additions if the club are to get back on track.
The Athletic claims that Cunha could be joined at Old Trafford by Brentford winger Mbeumo, who was said to be a target of Newcastle United, but the Toon are set to miss out as the Bees forward wants to join the Red Devils.
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Can Mbeumo and Cunha replace Fernandes?
While news of Mbeumo's preference for United will come as welcome news to supporters, his arrival may signal the end of Bruno Fernandes's time at the club.
The 30-year-old is reportedly a serious target of Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, and rumours suggest that they would be willing to pay in the region of £100m for his signature.
Fernandes's exit could be detrimental to United given he ended the season as the team's leading goalscorer (19) and assist provider (18) in 2024-25.
However, Mbeumo managed to score 20 goals and register seven assists for Brentford in the Premier League last term, with his goal tally only bettered by Erling Haaland (22), Alexander Isak (23) and Mohamed Salah (29).
Cunha also had an excellent season with Wolves, scoring 15 goals and providing six assists, totals that are even more impressive considering his side were battling relegation for much of the campaign.
While Mbeumo and Cunha have individually not proven they can produce at the same rate as consistently as Fernandes, they could help replace the attacking midfielder's output in the aggregate.
However, the pair would both benefit from playing behind a more imposing striker, so perhaps Amorim's next move should be to replace struggling number nine Rasmus Hojlund.
Lewis Nolan
