Manchester United, in desperate need of goals, zeroed in on Bryan Mbeumo as the perfect option to add to their forward line.
The Cameroonian could play up top on his own, as well as an attacking midfielder, which suits Ruben Amorim’s style.
A move was far from easy, given Brentford’s monetary demands and Tottenham Hotspur’s presence in the race.
However, as revealed by the 26-year-old’s sister during an interview with The Athletic, the former Troyes ace was always clear in his head that he wanted to move to Old Trafford.
Mbeumo’s conversation with sister
“Are you alone?,” Mbeumo had asked Maeva, a nurse, who was then at work. “Don’t say anything. They are not rumours. United are interested, I’m interested too.”
Maeva, who is two years older than Mbeumo, asked his brother, “Why Manchester? Their league position isn’t very good!”
But the Cameroon international was clear in his head. The history of the club, and Amorim’s conviction had swayed him and there was no turning back.
“It’s a club that can bounce back,” the Avallon-born attacker had said. “Their game plan is interesting, I’m committed. I’m a man of my word, for now I’m going there.”
Conviction behind move
At that point, the Bees had already rejected two of INEOS’ bids and kept shifting the goalposts, hoping to earn even more from the sale.
“You’re not going to sign,” Maeva recollects telling her brother. “It’s going to happen,” the United No.19 had replied,
“He really wanted it, in his mind, it was Manchester.” It was that clarity of thought that allowed the Red Devils to finally land their man.
Bryan Mbeumo has managed two goals and one assist so far this season, and hopefully, he can put in a match-winning display when the Red Devils visit Anfield for their blockbuster clash against Liverpool on Sunday.
The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Ayantan Chowdhury
After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
