'Fit perfectly' - Man Utd eyeing move for 16-goal Premier League gem who could finally replace Jason Sancho

Manchester United are in the market for attacking reinforcements this summer as they seek the addition of a new striker along with a player who can play slightly in behind the main attacker.

A new number nine is the priority, however, with a lack of sharpness and threat in front of goal a major problem for Ruben Amorim. United have failed to score since their return from the international break and need to find their shooting boots ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash with Lyon.

The Europa League offers the club their only chance of European football next season as winning the competition also includes the prize of a spot in next campaign’s Champions League. It could result in six English sides being in UEFA’s elite competition, with the top five Premier League sides set to qualify.

Man Utd eye Bryan Mbeumo

United are reportedly showing “the most interest” in Brentford striker Bryan Mbeumo who is enjoying a fine season in front of goal in the Premier League. He has scored 16 goals in 31 outings for the Bees while also providing five assists. His goal tally is double that of United’s top scorer in the Premier League, Bruno Fernandes, who has netted eight times in the top flight. It is also 10 more goals than Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund’s combined league tally with the two strikers on three goals each.

Fichajes claim that United’s hierarchy believe Mbuemo can make an immediate impact at Old Trafford and that Brentford are aware that keeping the 25-year-old could prove a difficult task. It is also claimed that he would ‘fit perfectly’ with the type of player the Red Devils want to sign. United have been linked to a number of attacking players ahead of the summer transfer window. Within the Premier League Matheus Cunha has been reported as a target as well as Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap. The likes of Viktor Gyökeres and Victor Osimhen have also been attracting interest from United but those deals would be more difficult to do.

Bryan Mbeumo can no doubt improve Man United - but contract clause could thwart plans

Mbeumo can play in a number of attacking positions but is predominantly a right winger. With Jadon Sancho leaving Old Trafford on loan last summer and poised to join Chelsea on a permanent deal at the end of the season, United have yet to find a suitable replacement for the player they signed for £73m from Borussia Dortmund back in the summer of 2021.

Mbeumo could be the man to fill that void. He is out of contract in the summer of 2026 and it is something the Red Devils could look to exploit to try and seek a cut-price move. However, Brentford have protected themselves against major interest from clubs like United. Just last month, Football Insider reported that Newcastle United, Arsenal and Liverpool were keeping tabs on Mbeumo.

He signed his latest Bees contract in 2022, taking his stay at the Gtech Community Stadium to at least 2026. However, it has been revealed Brentford have the option to extend the deal by another 12 months. It gives them the upper hand in transfer negotiations and means that any hopes of a reduced fee are unlikely. Mbeumo would add quality and goals to United’s attack, however, so the Red Devils may be more open to paying a higher fee. he is having his best season in the Premier League with his overall goal tally in the English top flight standing at 38 goals in 129 games.