Brentford manager Thomas Frank has highlighted a critical characteristic in Bryan Mbeumo that will benefit Manchester United, as Ruben Amorim’s team closes on a deal for the striker.
Brentford manager Thomas Frank believes Bryan Mbeumo will provide Manchester United with something they desperately lack. After completing a deal with Wolves for Matheus Cunha, United have identified the Cameroonian star as their next priority target.
Despite interest from Arsenal and Newcastle, Mbeumo has expressed a desire to join the Red Devils, despite their poor Premier League season and lack of European competition. A contract to recruit Mbeumo has not yet been completed, with the 25-year-old reportedly asking £250,000 per week.
But if United does sign him, his present manager, Frank, believes he would not only improve the team’s attack line but also bring the leadership that has been lacking in recent seasons. Captain Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire are largely seen as United’s only ‘leaders’, despite severe attitude concerns within the squad.
That trait led United to extend Maguire’s contract until the summer of 2026. His contract was originally set to expire this summer.
Speaking in January, head coach Ruben Amorim said: “When you look at our team, we are starving for leaders on the pitch. He [Maguire] is a leader. He has to improve that part and he has to improve our game. We are happy to continue with him.”
According to Frank, Mbeumo, who arrived in west London from French side Troyes in 2019, offers leadership as well as goals. Speaking in 2023, the Danish coach said following a win over West Ham: “I praised him a couple of weeks ago because he drives training with his attitude and work ethic and determination to want to get better and win.” Frank then pointedly added: “He’s definitely a leader in the making.”
United have already made one move in the transfer market this summer, signing Brazilian forward Cunha. Jadon Sancho might go, but Chelsea, where he was on loan last season, is willing to pay a £5 million penalty fee to avoid having to make his current loan permanent.
Sancho, seemingly anticipating his move from Stamford Bridge, said on X on Tuesday night: “Grateful for the experience. Big thanks to everyone at Chelsea who made me feel at home, including teammates, staff, and fans. Best wishes to the club as it moves forward. Blues, I am truly grateful to you.
Fernandes appears to be staying put, having turned down a mega-money deal to join Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, who were reportedly willing to pay him £700,000 per week. Fernandes said that he had declined the opportunity to relocate after meeting with Amorim and his family.
“The president of Al Hilal called me a month ago to enquire about the possibility of me moving there,” Fernandes stated at a Portugal press conference, according to Portuguese publication O Jogo.
