There’s only 3 possible striker options now that Mbeumo has refused to join Man United. They are actually better than him” – This is according to Paul Scholes as he claims that Manchester United now have three potential alternatives to consider following a change in stance regarding their pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo.
As talks continue without a breakthrough, frustration is mounting among United supporters, particularly as rival clubs push ahead with their own signings and continue to widen the gap. Some voices are now suggesting that manager Ruben Amorim should turn his attention to other targets if Brentford refuse to lower their demands. However, ex-United striker Louis Saha has urged the club to pay the fee and avoid missing out.
Speaking to Express Sport, Saha said:
United currently have three main routes forward if a deal for Mbeumo remains out of reach.
1. Meet Brentford’s Full Asking Price
The simplest option would be to match the £60 million valuation to wrap up the deal before pre-season preparations begin. While it might feel like overpaying, Brentford are justified in seeking a figure close to the £62.5 million United spent on Matheus Cunha.
2. Pursue Alternatives While Negotiating
United could continue to negotiate with Brentford while also exploring other attacking options. Players such as Eberechi Eze, Antoine Semenyo, and Xavi Simons have all been linked as potential alternatives. However, each of these targets may present similar financial challenges when it comes to transfer fees.
3. Shift Focus to Other Positions
Should Brentford remain unmoved, Amorim could opt to pause the search for a winger and prioritize other areas in need of reinforcement—namely, a new striker and a central midfielder. This strategic shift could also put pressure back on Brentford if they sense a record sale slipping away.
More significant movement in the transfer market is anticipated after July 1, once the new financial year begins and Premier League clubs gain greater flexibility under Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
For now, United’s pursuit of Mbeumo remains unresolved—but the coming weeks could prove pivotal in determining whether he ends up at Old Trafford or United look elsewhere.
The uncertainty surrounding Manchester United’s pursuit of **Bryan Mbeumo** is starting to test the patience of fans and pundits alike, especially as clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea move swiftly in the market. Despite interest in Mbeumo being genuine, the lack of progress is becoming a flashpoint, particularly as **Brentford stand firm on their £60 million valuation**.
Here’s a breakdown of where things currently stand and what could happen next:
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### 🔴 Current Status: Stalemate
* Brentford are **not budging** from their valuation of **£60 million**, citing the precedent set by Wolverhampton’s £62.5m sale of Matheus Cunha.
* **Manchester United**, under new leadership with Dan Ashworth and Ruben Amorim, are **reluctant to meet that full price** given ongoing FFP/PSR constraints.
* **Louis Saha**, like many supporters, has urged the club to **pay the fee** and not risk losing out on a proven Premier League winger.
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### 🔁 United’s Options Going Forward
#### 1. ✅ **Meet Brentford’s Demands**
* Pros: Secures a reliable, versatile forward before pre-season, a strong statement of intent.
* Cons: Risk of overpaying in a tight financial window, limits budget for midfield or striker targets.
* Verdict: Could happen if other deals (like Zirkzee or Joao Neves) fall through.
#### 2. 🔄 **Negotiate While Exploring Alternatives**
* Linked Alternatives:
* **Eberechi Eze** (Crystal Palace): Skillful and Premier League-proven, but could cost £60–70m.
* **Antoine Semenyo** (Bournemouth): Cheaper, powerful, and rising fast—still unproven at the elite level.
* **Xavi Simons** (PSG/RB Leipzig): High upside but complex due to PSG’s control and competition from European giants.
* Verdict: Smart path, but no guarantees United land a cheaper or better player.
#### 3. ⚙️ **Refocus Strategy: Midfield & Striker First**
* Amorim and Ashworth may shift priorities toward:
* A **starting No. 9** (Zirkzee, Sesko, or Osimhen if feasible)
* A **holding midfielder** (Joao Neves, Manuel Ugarte)
* This might also be a tactical ploy to **pressure Brentford**, who won’t want to lose a sale opportunity while Mbeumo is hot.
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### 💸 Key Financial Pressure Point
With the **new financial year now underway** (from July 1), Premier League clubs have more flexibility under PSR regulations. This could unlock:
* Payment structures (e.g. installments, add-ons)
* Easier sales of unwanted players (Sancho, Greenwood, Casemiro) to fund new arrivals
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### 📆 What’s Next?
Expect more serious movement **after the next 7–10 days** as:
* United finalize other sales
* Brentford consider if United’s interest will fizzle out
* Amorim recalibrates his priority list with Dan Ashworth
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### 🧠 Final Word
While Mbeumo isn’t the flashiest name, his profile fits United’s tactical needs—**Premier League-proven, versatile, and composed under pressure**. If United believe he can start and produce consistently, they may have no choice but to meet Brentford’s asking price—or risk missing out in a market short on value.
Would you like a head-to-head comparison between Mbeumo and alternatives like Eze or Semenyo?
