Manchester United have a fight on their hands as the summer transfer window reopens, facing the prospect of fending off Tottenham Hotspur in their pursuit of Brentford ace Bryan Mbeumo – and some fans in the Manchester Evening News comments section are worried that things might not be going to plan after the delay so far.
United are seeking to bolster a struggling attack, and the addition of Mbeumo with his 20 league goals in the past season would go some way to putting them back amongst the top clubs in the Premier League. A £55million package offer has been rejected by Brentford, who stand to make huge profit from their ace wherever he ends up going this summer.
Spurs are also in for Mbeumo, having made a £70 million offer for him as the club look to banish their own demons after a poor Premier League season. Spurs have taken on Brentford’s Thomas Frank as manager after sacking Ange Postecoglou, and a link-up with Mbeumo would be an ideal way to start his time at that club.
Some fans are just about ready to give up on Mbeumo after hopes of a fast start to the transfer window seem to be fading. Reader IlSacristano says: “I wish this would be over, for better or for worse. It’s a bit like Pride and Prejudice, although Elizabeth Bennett and Mr Darcy got together with far fewer words written about them than Mr Mbeumo.”
Commenter Steviweavi warns about paying the old “United tax”: “What we should have equally done last year and before is not overpay. Mbeumo is NOT a £70m player, if Spurs want to pay that then let them. The player can always insist he wants to play for United and no-one else of course.”
Cheethamhills writes: “If Mbeumo’s one and only choice isn’t to come to United, then I’d rather he didn’t… if it is, then he needs to get it done. United don’t need to pay any price as Brentford haven’t got the upper hand, Mbeumo does in his last year. He should tell them to accept the offer, or tell fans I’m staying for another season and will leave for free next year.”
JKU999 is feeling bullish: “If Mbeumo wants to go from a little club to another little club all because a) His manager has gone there and b) For a fleeting moment of Champions League football, let him go. He’ll never know what playing for a massive club like Manchester United is like. Good luck to him.”
Navydiver writes: “Once again the ineptitude of United’s management will undoubtedly lead to Mbuemo going to Spurs. We of course are sweating and digging our heels in for 5 or 6 million when had we met the initial asking price, this deal could have been wrapped up before this Frank deal was confirmed. Way to go, United’s crack negotiators. Wasting millions on rubbish but obstinate when quick action was required!”
Others have more confidence in the club to get the right business done this summer. JustifiablySceptical says: “It’s a little early to say we can’t get transfers over the line. If we’ve still only signed Cunha by the end of the month, I’ll be worried, but if we also have Mbeumo by that point, we’ll have made a huge improvement to our attack. We’d also still have time to bring in players in other positions.
