Manchester United believe they can secure Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo’s signature this summer despite strong competition from Tottenham Hotspur.
The Red Devils remain optimistic about landing their attacking target, even as Spurs attempt to leverage their recent appointment of Mbeumo’s former manager Thomas Frank.
The 25-year-old Cameroonian international, who enjoyed a career-best 20-goal Premier League season with Brentford, has reportedly expressed his preference for a move to Old Trafford.
This comes despite the obvious appeal of reuniting with Frank, under whom he flourished for six years in West London, and Tottenham’s ability to offer Champions League football after their Europa League triumph.
Mbeumo recently praised his former mentor, telling Sky Sports: “He has done so much for me… developed me as a human and a player so much.”
However, Manchester Evening News reports the player’s desire to join United’s rebuild under Ruben Amorim outweighs the emotional pull of following Frank to North London.
United’s pressing need for attacking reinforcements makes Mbeumo a priority target.
Last season’s paltry 44-goal Premier League haul – the second-worst among non-relegated clubs – has accelerated plans to revamp their frontline.
The Brentford star’s proven Premier League pedigree and versatility across the forward line make him an ideal candidate to partner potential arrival Matheus Cunha.
While Tottenham can offer continental football and familiar management, United appear to be banking on their project’s appeal and the player’s personal preference to win this transfer battle.
