Manchester United have reportedly held talks with Bryan Mbeumo of Brentford, with Ruben Amorim looking to rebuild his side's attack.
Despite winning 2-0 against Aston Villa on Sunday, the Red Devils have endured their worst ever Premier League season, finishing 15th with just 42 points.
United had failed to score in five of their prior eight in the top flight, and they ended the campaign having netted just 44 goals, making them the division's fifth-worst offensive side.
Boss Ruben Amorim will undoubtedly look to revitalise his side's attack, though he could face the prospect of having to replace captain Bruno Fernandes, who has frequently been linked with a move away to the Saudi Pro League.
The Red Devils would have to look to the transfer market to find Fernandes's heir if his exit was sanctioned, and journalist Ben Jacobs reports that the club have held talks with Mbeumo, who is valued at roughly £50m.
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Mbeumo in profile
Mbeumo performed well in Brentford's forward line when he played alongside striker Ivan Toney, but he has since excelled in a wide position on the right as well as in a more central role.
The 25-year-old managed to score 20 Premier League goals and provide seven assists this term, with only Alexander Isak (29) and Mohamed Salah (47) registering more direct goal involvements.
Mbeumo also possesses immense speed, proving to be a significant threat during counter-attacks, and his ability to generate shots on his stronger left foot in settled play has been impressive.
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Could Mbeumo help replace Fernandes?
Fernandes has excelled in one of two attacking midfield roles behind a striker in Amorim's 3-4-3 system, and his exit may be problematic given he was United's leading scorer (19) and assist provider (18) in 2024-25.
Mbeumo could help replace the goal output of the Portuguese playmaker, but perhaps the addition of Wolverhampton Wanderers attacker Matheus Cunha in conjunction with the Brentford star would better help to mitigate the loss of the team's captain.
Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap has also been linked with a move to Old Trafford, and the Englishman would be able to act as a target for Mbeumo and Cunha to play towards.
While the departure of Fernandes could be damaging, there are still ways for Amorim to considerably improve his side's forward line.
Lewis Nolan
