Bryan Mbeumo comment says everything as Man Utd submit third transfer bid

Bryan Mbeumo was once backed to leave Brentford for a Premier League giant by his old manager, Thomas Frank. Mbeumo has been at the centre of a protracted transfer saga this summer, with Manchester United desperate to secure the services of the 25-year-old forward.

United have now tabled a third offer for the Cameroonian international, believed to be £65million plus £5m in performance-related add-ons. United have previously failed with two bidsfor Brentford's star man but are hoping to strike lucky with their latest offer.

Mbeumo has already agreed personal terms with United. He has also informed Brentford, and the other clubs chasing him, that he doesn't want to move anywhere else, having rejected both Newcastle and Tottenham.

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Brentford have yet to respond to United's latest bid. However, comments in 2024 made by the Bees' ex-coach Frank, who has since joined Spurs and made a play for his ex-striker, will give Mbeumo a huge confidence boost should he make the move to Old Trafford. The Dane claimed last year: "I'd buy him if I was at a bigger club."

Frank has been backing Mbeumo to succeed for some time. After the striker missed a chunk of action two seasons ago due to injury, his manager's remarks spoke volumes that he believes the goalscorer can cut it anywhere. Mbeumo's contributions were sorely missed at the time while he was on the treatment table.

"He [Mbeumo] was our biggest miss for four months last year, even with [Former Brentford striker, Ivan] Toney out," Frank said. "He was our key player and has added another layer this season with five goals in six games."

He continued: "That's incredible and he's creating chances. He's a top player. I'm convinced he will play for a bigger club. I'd buy him if I was at a bigger club."

The ongoing saga has not been ideal for United. Ruben Amorim reportedly wanted all his new recruits signed up before he and his squad fly to the USA next week for their pre-season tour.

Matheus Cunha is United's only new arrival so far. The club's previous bids for Mbeumo - £45m plus £10m in add-ons and £55m plus £7.5m in bonuses - were rejected, as Brentford believe Mbeumo, who scored 20 goals last season, should command a higher fee than the £62.5m United paid Wolves to sign Cunha.

Yet the optics around the deal are harming United, so says former Red Devils defender Rio Ferdinand, who was speaking on his podcast.

"[Mbeumo] has told Tottenham, he's told Brentford that he only wants to join Manchester United. So Man United and Brentford have to come together and find a way of... well, Man United have to find a way of meeting Brentford's valuation," Ferdinand said.

"I think Man United have to get this done. I think it's been in the news for far too long to get to a situation where you get to the end of the window and it doesn't happen.

"I think that would be a custard, egg on your face situation for Man United, unless they go and get someone else, another striker. Who have they got waiting in the wings as an alternative? So, I'll be surprised if this deal doesn't go through, because Man United have been adamant."

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