Manchester United’s Plan B!

Red Devils Line Up Two Premier League Stars as Potential Alternatives to Bryan Mbeumo After Spurs Join Race for £70m Star

As the summer transfer window heats up, Manchester United find themselves playing a familiar game — chasing targets, dodging rivals, and carefully plotting contingencies. With Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo appearing increasingly likely to join Tottenham Hotspur in a deal worth around £70 million, the Red Devils are preparing their “Plan B.” And it’s not a bad one. United are now eyeing up Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo as alternative attacking reinforcements.

It’s the kind of fluid and adaptive recruitment strategy we haven’t always associated with United in recent years — but under the watchful eye of their new-look sporting department, it appears that lessons have been learned. Let’s dive deeper into what’s happening behind the scenes, and what might come next.

Mbeumo: The One That Got Away?

Let’s start with the main target: Bryan Mbeumo. The 24-year-old Brentford forward has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most dangerous and efficient attacking players. While often operating from wide positions, Mbeumo’s versatility, intelligent movement, and ruthless finishing made him a nightmare for defences last season. He bagged 20 goals in the 2024/25 campaign — an astonishing return given his xG (expected goals) of just 12.3. That level of overperformance isn’t just luck; it’s instinct, and it’s the sort of quality elite clubs crave.

Manchester United reportedly submitted a £55 million bid for the Cameroon international, but that figure has since been trumped by Tottenham’s £70 million offer. Spurs’ newly appointed manager Thomas Frank — who, of course, coached Mbeumo at Brentford — is said to be instrumental in luring the forward to north London. The reunion narrative is strong, and United may be facing the prospect of losing out on a primary target to a direct rival.

Enter Plan B: Eberechi Eze & Antoine Semenyo

Crystal Palace FC v Wolverhampton Wanderers FC – Premier League Manchester United

With Mbeumo likely heading elsewhere, United’s recruitment team have swiftly shifted focus to two domestic alternatives: Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo. Both players impressed in 2024/25 and offer different profiles, but importantly, each would address a clear need in United’s squad — pace, creativity, and goal threat from the wide or central areas.

Eberechi Eze: The Playmaker

Few players in the Premier League have the ability to glide past opponents the way Eze does. The Crystal Palace talisman had a quietly brilliant season, racking up double figures in both goals and assists and reminding everyone why he’s considered one of England’s most naturally gifted ball-carriers.

Eze offers something that United have lacked since Juan Mata’s prime — a true link between midfield and attack. With his ability to play as a No. 10 or as a drifting wide midfielder, he could become the connective tissue in a United attack that too often feels disjointed. And crucially, at just 26 years old, he still has room to grow.

There are complications, of course. Palace won’t want to sell easily, and with a strong core of young talent, they’re looking to build rather than cash in. That said, an offer in the region of £50–60 million could test their resolve, especially if Eze makes it clear he wants to make the step up.

Antoine Semenyo: The Breakout Star

While not as glamorous a name as Mbeumo or Eze, Antoine Semenyo quietly had a breakout season with Bournemouth. His raw pace, relentless work rate, and improved end product saw him contribute to 16 goals in the Premier League — a figure that puts him in the conversation with some of the league’s most consistent forwards.

The Ghanaian international brings a different energy to the pitch. He’s direct, he presses with intent, and he’s got a physical edge that makes him difficult to dispossess. For a United side that often struggles to penetrate deep defensive blocks, Semenyo could provide the kind of unpredictability they desperately need.

At 25, and with a relatively affordable price tag compared to others on the market, he could be the sleeper signing of the summer — especially if United miss out on their more high-profile targets.

Why United Need to Get This Right

After another underwhelming league campaign that saw United finish outside the Champions League places, the pressure is on for a transformative summer. The club has new leadership in the footballing department, with technical director Jason Wilcox and sporting director Dan Ashworth expected to modernize United’s recruitment strategy.

That means planning not just for marquee names but for contingencies. If Mbeumo was “Plan A,” Eze and Semenyo represent realistic “Plan B” options that still offer high upside and fit within the profile of players United should be targeting: young, hungry, Premier League-proven, and ready to take the next step.

Crucially, both Eze and Semenyo would complement the current crop. Marcus Rashford needs creative support. Bruno Fernandes, despite his ability, can’t be the sole playmaker. Rasmus Højlund needs better service. The addition of one or even both targets would provide tactical flexibility and squad depth.

Did You Know?

AFC Bournemouth v Leicester City FC – Premier League Manchester United

Among all Premier League forwards last season, Bryan Mbeumo had the best xG-to-goal conversion ratio. His ability to finish from difficult positions — and his knack for arriving in the right place at the right time — made him one of Europe’s most statistically impressive forwards.

Meanwhile, Eberechi Eze ranked among the top five players for successful dribbles per 90 minutes, and Antoine Semenyo completed more progressive carries than any other Bournemouth player in 2024/25.

These aren’t just exciting players — they’re also highly effective by modern football metrics.

The Domino Effect

The early stages of every transfer window are always a little chaotic, and this one is no different. Mbeumo’s move — whether it’s to Spurs or a surprise twist keeps him at Brentford — is likely to set off a chain reaction.

If he joins Tottenham, United may push harder for Eze. But Palace could then chase a replacement, perhaps looking toward someone like Morgan Whittaker or even a return for Wilfried Zaha. Bournemouth, if they lose Semenyo, will have cash to reinvest — possibly into a loan move for a big-club talent looking for minutes.

It’s a game of chess, and Manchester United are trying to stay three moves ahead. With the transfer window just beginning, fans can expect more twists in the tale.

What Comes Next?

All eyes are now on whether Tottenham can finalize the Mbeumo deal. If they do, United will need to act fast. The competition for Premier League-proven attacking talent is fierce, and waiting too long could see them miss out on both Eze and Semenyo.

What’s clear is that Manchester United are trying to be smarter, more agile, and more forward-thinking in their recruitment. Whether that means signing their top target or successfully pivoting to “Plan B,” this summer is a crucial moment for the Red Devils’ rebuild.

Whatever happens, one thing is certain: this transfer saga is far from over.