Terms Agreed: Manchester United reached agreement to sign 40-goals per season striker as the superstar arrives on five-years transfer deal
Manchester United’s glory days under Sir Alex Ferguson now feel like a distant memory given the slump that they’ve endured over the last couple of seasons.
The Red Devils won 13 Premier League titles during the Scotsman’s reign, helping them win the treble back in the 1998/99 season – a feat that remains remarkable to this day.
However, his side have failed to win the league title since Ferguson’s final year in charge at Old Trafford, with their drought now about to enter its 15th season.
Ruben Amorim is the latest boss to try and end such a wait, but his tenure has yet to lift off after a 15th-place finish after taking the reins back in November last year.
However, the summer transfer window presents an opportunity for the 40-year-old to transform their fortunes, leading to numerous players being touted with a move to the Theatre of Dreams.
The latest on United’s hunt for new signings this summer
Over the last couple of days, Copenhagen winger Roony Bardghji has been touted with a move to United, handing the side an added threat in the final third after scoring against the Red Devils in the Champions League last season.
He’s not the only player on their radar, with Richard Rios emerging as a potential option after impressing for Palmeiras at the ongoing Club World Cup.
However, their ambitions in the market have been evident with their attempts to sign Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo, taking another step in landing the talent, according to one Spanish outlet.
They claim that Amorim’s side have taken the next step in their pursuit, submitting a £60m offer for the 25-year-old after having their opening bid of £55m rejected.
It also states that the hierarchy see him as a key part of their ambitions for the future, which has seen the Cameroonian international agree to a move with the two sides needing to negotiate a fee.
Why United’s £60m target would be a better signing than Ekitike
Despite the interest in other forwards, Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitiké has been another name that has been mentioned as a potential option for Amorim this summer.
The 23-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough year in the Bundesliga this campaign, registering 22 goals across all competitions, evidently catching the eye of the Red Devils.
However, they’re not alone with Liverpool and Chelsea also in the race to land the Frenchman’s signature ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
Any deal for Ekitike’s services would cost the hierarchy a small fortune, given the German outfit are demanding a fee in the region of €100m (£84m) to part ways with their talisman.
Such a fee may not be value for money, with Mbeumo certainly a better option for Amorim’s side in his attempts to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford.
He’s set to be available for a cheaper fee this window, whilst also having the experience in England’s top-flight – netting 20 goals this campaign, the best year in his professional career to date.
Mbeumo, who’s been labelled “world-class” by former teammate Pontus Jansson, has outscored the Frenchman and achieved a better goal per shot on target rate – demonstrating his clinical nature despite not being a centre forward.
He’s also achieved a higher tally of progressive passes per 90, along with more key passes, having the ability to provide others around him with the tools to star alongside him.
However, the 25-year-old’s talents don’t end there, completing more take-ons and carries into the penalty area, demonstrating his direct nature with the ball at his feet.
If the offer of £60m is accepted, it would be an excellent piece of business by the hierarchy, handing Amorim the tools he needs for success at Old Trafford.
Whilst Ekitike would be a viable option, the difference in price and experience in such a division makes the Brentford talent a better option ahead of the 2025/26 season.
