Mbeumo should think twice about United

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A move to Manchester United may be the most lucrative option on the table for Bryan Mbeumo—but it also carries the highest risk, writes Dylan Johnson.

The Brentford winger is coming off a standout Premier League campaign: 20 goals, eight assists, and a starring role in the Bees mid-table finish. At 25, he’s ready for a step up. The Red Devils want him, have already seen a £55 million bid turned down, and are reportedly offering £250,000 per week to convince him. But while the money is real, so is the danger.

For United, this is a sensible move. Mbeumo is pacey, productive, and Premier League-proven. He fits their need for an outlet in wide areas and would inject end product into an exceptionally poor forward line. With Matheus Cunha already signed, United are trying to reshape their attack. Mbeumo ticks all the right boxes. For the club, it’s low-risk.

For Mbeumo, the picture is different. The money may be unmatched, but the sporting offer is weak. United finished 15th in the Premier League—a new low in the post-Ferguson era. They are out of Europe entirely and the pressure is on signings to hit the ground running.

The recent past should be enough of a warning. Jadon Sancho arrived as one of Europe’s hottest prospects, now Chelsea would rather pay United to take him back from a poor loan spell. Antony was signed for nearly £90 million and has been labelled one of the Premier League’s worst ever transfers. Alexis Sánchez, Memphis Depay, and Ángel Di María all joined with strong reputations—and all left with theirs in pieces. Talent alone hasn’t survived the chaos of Old Trafford.

Mbeumo doesn’t need a reset. He needs direction. Arsenal, Newcastle, and Aston Villa can offer that. All three are in Europe next season. All three have settled squads, competent management, and room for a player like Mbeumo to thrive. They can’t match United’s wage packet, but they can offer him the clarity and conditions to succeed United cannot.

Arsenal are competing for titles and have one of the most consistent wingers in the league in Bukayo Saka. At 23, Saka is central to everything Mikel Arteta has built—his goal contributions and Champions League pedigree make him a model for wide players at the top level. Yet he earns considerably less than what United are offering the Cameroonian, which says more about United than it does about Mbeumo.

Newcastle are assembling a high-energy side under Eddie Howe with a defined style and recruitment strategy. The relationship Mbeumo could build with striker Alexander Isak is a frightening prospect for any defence. Aston Villa are consistently qualifying for Europe and recently reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League, losing to eventual winners PSG.

Mbeumo deserves progress, but not at the expense of becoming a casualty. United’s offer is generous, but it comes with uncertainty. For him, the potential cost overshadows the payoff. This isn’t just about money—it’s about career trajectory. Taking this step risks his progress, while for United, it’s simply a calculated investment.

Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images

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Dylan Johnson