Manchester United were recently involved in a drawn-out saga, as they tried to find an agreement with Brentford over a deal to sign Bryan Mbeumo.
Mbeumo agreed to join United early in June, but he had to wait until this week to move to Old Trafford, as the Bees played hardball over his sale before agreeing a deal worth in excess of £70 million.
The negotiations with the London outfit proved to be very difficult for the Mancunians. The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming they increased Mbeumo’s price during talks and also tried to push the player towards Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur instead.
United might have to re-open talks with Brentford, as they have set their sights on one of the brightest football minds at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Manchester United interested in Stephen Torpey
According to the Manchester Evening News, United are considering the appointment of Brentford academy director Stephen Torpey to succeed Nick Cox.
In June, The Peoples Person covered a report revealing Cox has decided to become technical director at Everton. He is currently serving a 12-month notice period at United.
The Red Devils are reportedly “undertaking an extensive search to find the ‘best-in-class’ replacement for Cox”. Still, there is a “desire to move quickly.”
Torpey, who previously worked at Manchester City alongside Jason Wilcox, director of football at United, was appointed as Brentford’s academy director in January 2024.
Torpey is “credited with helping City implement a Barcelona-style coaching system.” He was hired by Brentford to “build their academy from scratch and deliver Category One academy status.”
Manchester United determined to improve their academy
Ineos have put a lot of emphasis on strengthening United’s youth ranks.
Last season, United lured Arsenal academy jewels Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven to Old Trafford. Heaven has already become a regular fixture under Ruben Amorim.
This summer, United beat PSG to the signing of French forward Enzo Kana-Biyik. They also staved off competition from City to secure the signature of highly-rated Southampton defender Harley Emsden-James.
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Vishal Singh
Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!
