Manchester United were able to win the race for Bryan Mbeumo’s signature despite their disastrous 2024/25 season.
Ruben Amorim will be the first to admit that his first six months in charge of Manchester United were the stuff of nightmares, but now he is tasked with leading a rebuild.
That rebuild started this summer with United signing Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to bolster the attacking options.
Mbeumo was signed for £65m from Brentford after a lengthy transfer saga that lasted over six weeks. Since joining up with the squad, Amorim has been delighted with Mbeumo.
Thankfully, Mbeumo only wanted to join United this summer, which made negotiations slightly easier for Ineos. It seems Amorim had a big impact in persuading the 25-year-old to join the Red Devils.
What Ruben Amorim told Bryan Mbeumo during transfer saga
During the six-week transfer saga, Tottenham also showed interest in Mbeumo, especially after hiring Thomas Frank as manager.
Arsenal and Newcastle United were also linked to Mbeumo, but his priority was always to move to United.
Via The Telegraph, Mbeumo explained what he and Amorim spoke about before he completed a move to United.
“Of course I spoke to some other managers because I wanted to hear their projects but the Manchester United one was very good for me,” Mbeumo said.
“I think I’m someone who likes a challenge. There is a very good project in Manchester and I wanted to be part of it. Manchester is a big club. I think it’s a great opportunity.
“He [Amorim] said: ‘We are people who like winning and we want to be the best team’.
“And of course that’s what we will try to do. It was a very friendly conversation and a constructive one. He explained his project to me, what he wanted to do and I really clicked on that.”
Why Bryan Mbeumo is perfect for Ruben Amorim
Amorim raised eyebrows this week by leaving Mbeumo out against West Ham, delaying his debut until later in the 2025 US tour.
The 25-year-old has been given extra time to get up to speed with his fitness, but Amorim will be eager to see Mbeumo’s impact on his side.
Mbeumo can play as a No.10 or as a striker, but he is expected to play on the right of Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation once fit.
Mbeumo is excited to play with Bruno Fernandes, and with Cunha on the opposite flank, Amorim finally has a top-class forward department.
Amorim wants Premier League experience, and Mbeumo provides it in buckets. With 20 goals in the top flight last season, he would have been United’s top scorer. Amorim will hope he can replicate those numbers in 2025/26.
Mbeumo brings pace and intensity, which are two traits that Amorim has been begging for. United were made to wait, but it will be extremely worthwhile.
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