When Manchester United finally agreed on a £71m fee with Brentford for Bryan Mbeumo, many questioned the decision. The length of negotiations almost dampened the mood once a deal was wrapped up.
The Bees insisted that their valuation for the Cameroonian forward be met. The Reds tried to lower that fee several times, but to no avail.
Mbeumo signed on the dotted line and was under pressure to make an instant impact at Old Trafford. He’s done just that, putting in decisive performances that have helped guide his team to a top-four race.
Signing of the Season?
As we enter the final stretch of the season, many pundits are naming the best signing made by a Premier League club. The likes of Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi are often mentioned.
Former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch feels Mbeumo has been the best piece of business in the top flight. The TNT Sports pundit gave a glowing verdict of the Cameroonian and how he’s transformed United’s attack:
“Mbeumo for me. He’s changed the dynamic of Manchester United. He’s a finisher, he’s quick, he’s definitely brought a hell of a lot to Manchester United this season.”
There was a risk in signing Mbeumo because of the pressure that comes with making a big-money move to Old Trafford. He made clear that the Theatre of Dreams was his number one priority, snubbing Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal to get his move.
Mbeumo didn’t take long to live up to his price tag, finding the back of the net in his new team’s first win of the season, a 3-2 victory over Burnley. He followed that up with a sensational opener in a 2-1 win against rivals Liverpool.
The 26-year-old has been the man for the big occasion, also scoring in a 2-0 win over Manchester City and a 3-2 victory against Arsenal. He has been consistent and a key reason the Reds find themselves on course to return to the Champions League next season.
Match made in heaven
A new frontline was INEOS’ focus in the summer transfer window, and Mbeumo was one of three new attackers signed. He arrived alongside Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko as the Reds’ rebuild continued.
Signing Cunha came with ease because of a £62.5m release clause in his contract with Wolverhampton Wanderers. The club’s transfer chiefs waited for Sesko to give his word regarding a switch to Old Trafford, and they beat Newcastle to his signature for £73m.
Mbeumo was the toughest pursuit of the trio because Brentford dug their heels in on their valuation. The Cameroonian was patient and revealed after the transfer why he was so eager to join:
“As soon as I knew there was a chance to join Manchester United, I had to take the opportunity to sign for the club of my dreams; the team whose shirt I wore growing up.”
Mbeumo is a throwback to the marauding attackers from the Sir Alex Ferguson era. He is versatile, boasts electric pace and has an incredible footballing IQ.
The wide forward’s movement is a real problem for the opposition, and it makes him so deadly on the counter-attack. He is ideal for United and will likely be one of the most important INEOS signings
Mbeumo worth every penny
The reason United fans are fearful when the club decide to splash the cash on attacking talent is the poor track record in recent years. Antony (£81m), Rasmus Hojlund (£72m) and Jadon Sancho (£73m) are among those who arrived for high prices and flopped.
The advantage the Reds had when signing Mbeumo was that he was Premier League proven. He joined off the back of a stellar season with Brentford, posting 20 goals in 38 games.
| Bryan Mbeumo (Premier League 2025-26) | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Appearances: | 22 |
| Goals: | 9 |
| Expected goals (xG): | 7.76 |
| Scoring frequency (in mins): | 210min |
| Goal conversion: | 16% |
| Assists: | 3 |
| Big chances created: | 1.4 |
| Successful dribbles: | 0.6 (30%) |
| Ground duels won: | 2.3 (39%) |
| Aerial duels won: | 0.4 (13%) |
Mbeumo hasn’t quite hit those numbers yet, but he has been a massive success in his debut campaign. Whether it be leading the line as a false 9 or playing out on the right, he has starred in front of the Stretford End.
