Man Utd’s £71m Splurge on Bryan Mbeumo: A Shrewd Investment or Another Transfer Blunder?
Manchester United has a history of shelling out big bucks for renowned forwards from European leagues, only to watch them flounder in the Premier League. The latest addition to this pattern could be Bryan Mbeumo, an already-proven Premier League forward, whose £71m fee has raised eyebrows.
Mbeumo: A Ready-Made Asset?
Mbeumo has been a consistent performer, netting more Premier League goals last season than any United player since Robin van Persie 12 years ago. His signing could be seen as a lesson learnt from United’s past mistakes, with the likes of Jadon Sancho and Antony failing to adapt to the Premier League’s intensity after promising stints in the Bundesliga and Eredivisie, respectively. However, the price tag associated with Mbeumo’s transfer has sparked debates once again.
Man Utd’s Failed Forwards
Sancho, Antony, Rasmus Hojlund, and Joshua Zirkzee – all of these forwards arrived in Manchester amidst high expectations and a hefty price tag. However, the Premier League proved to be a tough nut to crack for them. Their performances dwindled and they were eventually loaned out or sold. In contrast, Mbeumo has already established himself in the Premier League, making his transfer a potentially safer bet.
The Rise of Bryan Mbeumo
Since joining Brentford in 2019, Mbeumo has been a consistent performer, improving with every season. His contributions in Brentford’s first three seasons in the top-flight were impressive and he reached a new peak in the 2024-25 season, finishing among the top five scorers in the league. His performances have earned him praises from his former boss Thomas Frank, who described him as an “unbelievable player”. Mbeumo’s ability to cope with the physical intensity of the Premier League is also a big plus.
The ‘United Tax’ Strikes Again
While Mbeumo’s signing seems promising, the £71m fee raises concerns. Given that he had only one year left on his contract with Brentford, United could have waited to sign him for free or negotiated a lower price. This move raises questions about United’s negotiation skills in the transfer market, which have often seen them pay more than necessary – a trend that has been dubbed the ‘United tax’.
The Pressure is Mounting
With the club’s financial flexibility dwindling due to a decade of extravagant spending, there’s immense pressure on Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha to deliver. The club’s recent cost-cutting measures have not gone down well with fans, and the failure to generate funds through player sales is adding to the woes. United’s executives are under intense scrutiny and the success of these transfers could be a make-or-break moment for them.
As the new season looms, all eyes will be on Bryan Mbeumo. Will he justify his hefty price tag and break the pattern of pricey forwards failing at Manchester United? Only time will tell.