When news broke that Bryan Mbeumo had chosen Manchester United over other suitors ahead of his anticipated Brentford exit, the Old Trafford faithful saw it as a step in the right direction.
After sealing the Matheus Cunha deal, the expectation was simple: INEOS would close out the Mbeumo move, sign a striker, maybe a goalkeeper, and suddenly, United would have a real shot at getting back to where they belong.
But it has not been that straightforward.
The deal for the Brentford winger is getting trickier by the day, and it is no longer a certainty that he will sign for the 20-time league champions.
Tottenham Hotspur, having signed Mbeumo’s immediate former manager, Thomas Frank, are reportedly looking to hijack the move.
Reports suggest they’ve tabled a better offer than United in pursuit of the red-hot winger, whose 20 league goals last season make him one of the most sought-after names in the Premier League.
While United fans still hope the club will pull through to secure one of Rúben Amorim’s preferred number 10s, fresh revelations have emerged.
According to ESPN, United’s CEO Omar Berrada has a specific price in mind for the Cameroon international.
And with Brentford likely to demand more, coupled with Spurs’ desire to hijack this deal, there’s a real risk United could miss out.
A plan B in place
Fortunately, the Red Devils have an array of talent on their radar. According to the Manchester Evening News, PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko is viewed as a potential alternative if the Mbeumo deal collapses.
The 22-year-old has been catching attention for seasons now in Dutch football. Known for his wand of a left foot, explosive pace, and power down the right wing, Bakayoko is one of the Eredivisie’s brightest attacking talents.
With his contract set to expire next summer, he is said to be available for as little as £17 million.
Although his 12 goals and three assists last season don’t match Mbeumo’s output, they suggest he could still provide the much-needed goals to United’s front line.
Unlike signing a proven Premier League attacker, a move for Bakayoko would be gambling on raw potential; a diamond Amorim would need to polish.
Long linked with Arsenal and Liverpool, the Dutch international may now end up finding his next step at Old Trafford.
And he certainly doesn’t lack confidence as last year, he laid out his ambitions clearly via Eindhovens Dagblad:
“I can handle a place at the top. If I were to leave Eindhoven, it would only be to a club that plays for trophies, just like PSV. Becoming champion is what I want. And win the Champions League. I have the qualities for that.”
Mbeumo must still be the mission
That said, as promising as Bakayoko is, it would be deeply disappointing for United to miss out on Mbeumo, considering he was so close to joining.
United should go all in to secure his services. With Mbeumo alongside Cunha and a top striker in the same line-up, it will not just be excellent recruitment. It would be the footballing equivalent of Grand Theft Auto, just done right.
Featured image Lars Baron via Getty Images
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Daniel Onguko
Since Dan was introduced to Manchester United in 2008, he has lived and breathed the club. What started as being a fan evolved into writing about United, allowing him to feel part of their journey. Hopefully, his work might even help rekindle your love for the kings of Manchester.
