Manchester United has made a third bid for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, potentially worth up to £70m. The offer is understood to comprise an initial £65m, with an additional £5m in add-ons. However, Brentford has yet to respond.
Despite being linked with Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson and Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez recently, the priority at Old Trafford remains securing the Mbeumo deal. The club is hopeful of adding the Cameroon international to Ruben Amorim's squad before they head off for three pre-season games in the US on Tuesday.
The 25-year-old player scored 20 Premier League goals last season and attracted interest from several clubs including Tottenham, now managed by former Brentford boss Thomas Frank. However, it appears that Mbeumo prefers joining Manchester United over other potential suitors.
Impact on team formation
If this transfer goes through successfully, it could lead to significant changes within the team formation. It is likely that skipper Bruno Fernandes will play a deeper role as Matheus Cunha - another recent signing - is earmarked for one of the two inside forward slots behind a main striker that Amorim prefers.
This move may also reduce chances of four forward players presently in first-team exile - Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Antony - being reintegrated into regular play.
Aiming to boost goal conversion rate
Last season saw manager Ruben Amorim repeatedly express concern about United's failure to convert their chances into goals. With only 44 Premier League goals scored last season – their worst return since they were relegated in 1973-74 – there’s no doubt that Manchester United needs more firepower upfront.
In addition to Cunha and defender Diego Leon, the potential acquisition of Mbeumo could provide the much-needed boost to United's attacking prowess. As Manchester United prepares to open their league season against Arsenal at Old Trafford on 17 August, fans and sports betting enthusiasts alike will be keenly watching how these potential changes might impact the team's performance.
While Brentford's response to the bid is still awaited, it is clear that Manchester United is making strategic moves in an attempt to bolster their squad and improve their goal conversion rate for the upcoming season.
