Manchester United faced many challenges in their bid to get the Bryan Mbeumo deal over the line.
It is understood Brentford changed their asking price for Mbeumo several time during negotiations. The Bees also preferred the winger to join Tottenham Hotspur or Newcastle United over United.
After much frustration, United’s third offer, worth an initial £65m with £6m in add-ons, was accepted last week. Now, the Red Devils might have an opportunity to return the favour by making things tricky for the London outfit in their chase for a striker.
Manchester United to battle Brentford for Gueye
According to The Sun, United have entered the race to sign FC Metz whizkid Idrissa Gueye, prepared to “hijack” Brentford’s bid for their priority target.
Mbeumo scored 20 goals in the Premier League for Brentford. As such, his departure has left a gaping hole in their attack. Further, Yoane Wissa is also pushing to leave the Gtech Community Stadium.
It is claimed new manager Keith Andrews “feels he can put one over United chief Ruben Amorim by landing Senegalese kid Gueye.”
However, the fierce competition from United has “forced Bees chief to now look at matching his French club’s £15m asking price.”
The 18-year-old striker only moved to Metz from Génération Foot in January. However, his agility and finishing ability have quickly made him one of the most sought-after talents in Europe.
While Brentford could offer a quicker route to regular Premier League football to Gueye, United “only see him as a long-term project.” Under Ineos, the Red Devils have intensified their attempts to add up-and-coming talents to the club’s ranks.
Manchester United want Brentford academy director
Recently, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming United are “undertaking an extensive search to find the ‘best-in-class’ replacement” for Nick Cox, who is set to leave the club to join Everton as their technical director.
Interestingly, the Mancunians are considering the appointment of Brentford academy director Stephen Torpey to succeed Cox.
Brentford appointed Torpey as their academy director in January 2024. The hierarchy at the London club would not be happy at losing him so quickly, and that too to United.
Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images
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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!
