Manchester United in Bryan Mbeumo Transfer Standoff with Brentford as £70m ‘Yardstick’ Fee Emerges

Man Utd battle Brentford over Bryan Mbeumo price amid Ruben Amorim’s push to accelerate summer business

The transfer window has officially kicked into gear at Old Trafford, and it seems Manchester United are locked in a familiar position — negotiating from behind the wheel while the asking price ahead keeps shifting. This time, it’s Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo who has caught the eye of the Red Devils and, unsurprisingly, the Bees aren’t making life easy.

With manager Ruben Amorim pushing the board to finalise deals swiftly ahead of their pre-season schedule, United find themselves at a delicate impasse — one that may yet define their summer plans.

Tottenham’s ghost bid sets the bar for Bryan Mbeumo

Omari Hutchinson 2024-25 / Mbeumo

According to a report from The Athletic, Brentford have made it clear they won’t consider any offers for Mbeumo below £70 million — a number apparently drawn from a bid they claim was submitted by Tottenham earlier in the year. Spurs have since denied that such an offer was ever officially made, but that hasn’t stopped Brentford from using it as a ‘yardstick’ in negotiations with other clubs.

United, for their part, are reluctant to go that high. The club’s new recruitment team, led by technical director Jason Wilcox and sporting director Dan Ashworth, are wary of overpaying for targets — especially given Amorim’s broad wish list and the club’s FFP obligations following last summer’s heavy investment.

But Brentford aren’t budging, at least not yet. As negotiations quietly continue, Mbeumo remains in west London, having reported back for pre-season training this week under new head coach Keith Andrews. He’s staying professional, but the sense is that he’s open to a step up — especially with Champions League football on offer at Old Trafford.

Ruben Amorim pushing for attacking reinforcements

United manager Ruben Amorim, now entering his first full season in charge, has reportedly urged the club to speed things up. He views Mbeumo not only as a tactical fit, but as a vital component of the attacking structure he wants to implement. The Cameroonian forward — quick, clever, and a consistent threat both centrally and on the wing — ticks many of Amorim’s boxes.

With uncertainty continuing around the futures of Jadon Sancho and Antony, and with the departure of Anthony Martial now confirmed, United’s attacking depth is thin. Mbeumo, who notched 9 goals and 6 assists in just 25 Premier League appearances last season before injury, is seen as someone who can hit the ground running.

His versatility is a particular attraction. In Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 systems, Mbeumo could play wide in a front three or operate just behind the central striker — likely Rasmus Højlund — in a dual-playmaker role.

Brentford preparing for life without Mbeumo

Mbeumo

Behind the scenes, Brentford appear to be preparing for a future without their star man. Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reports that the Bees have identified former Chelsea academy product Omari Hutchinson — now at Ipswich Town — as a potential replacement. Talks have reportedly begun with the player’s representatives, and should that move progress quickly, it may soften Brentford’s stance on Mbeumo.

Hutchinson, just 20, enjoyed a strong breakout campaign in the Championship and fits Brentford’s model: young, dynamic, and with resale value. If that domino falls, United may find the door slightly more ajar.

But for now, Brentford are holding firm. They don’t need to sell. Mbeumo is under contract until 2026, and there’s no buyout clause to trigger. United will have to pay — and pay well — to land their man.

United balancing patience with pressure

It’s a familiar balancing act for United: move fast enough to secure top targets, but not so hastily that they get burned in the deal. While Amorim wants reinforcements before the squad travels to the United States later this month, the club’s recruitment chiefs are urging caution.

They’ve seen what happens when the club overpays — deals for Antony and Harry Maguire serve as expensive reminders. But they also understand the risks of missing out on priority targets. With Champions League football secured, there’s a sense of urgency to strengthen now, not later.

And with pre-season friendlies on the horizon — starting with Leeds in Stockholm on July 19 — time is already ticking.

Mbeumo’s stock continues to rise

At 24, Bryan Mbeumo is entering his prime, and it’s easy to see why top clubs are circling. Despite missing several months of last season through injury, he still finished as one of Brentford’s top performers — showcasing an ability to break lines, create space, and finish chances in key moments.

He also brings elite-level experience. Mbeumo was one of the few bright sparks in Cameroon’s World Cup campaign in Qatar and has shown consistency in the Premier League over multiple seasons. His work rate off the ball and ability to press — a trait Amorim values highly — make him a modern attacker with plenty to offer.

What happens next?

Much now depends on Brentford’s recruitment. If they can secure Hutchinson or another target before the season kicks off, they may be more inclined to do business with United. But the Red Devils will have to move decisively — and perhaps up their offer — if they are to break the deadlock.

Until then, the standoff continues.

In a window where margins are tight and ambition is high, the Bryan Mbeumo saga could be a litmus test for United’s new recruitment strategy — and a key to Ruben Amorim’s project finally taking shape on the pitch.