Manchester United have been forced to alter their summer transfer strategy after their bid for Brentford’s talismanic forward Bryan Mbeumo was officially rejected. Despite persistent negotiations and a rumored offer in the region of £50 million, Brentford are reportedly unwilling to part ways with their prized asset — a stance that has left United scrambling for alternatives.
According to sources close to the club, United manager Erik ten Hag and his recruitment team have already identified a new target: a £45 million-rated striker whose identity is currently being kept under wraps. However, several reports from England and Portugal suggest that the player is a young and promising talent currently plying his trade in one of Europe’s top five leagues. Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim also confirmed that talks had advanced quickly after the Mbeumo deal collapsed, stating:
> “Since we can’t sign Mbeumo, we’ll just fall back to our backup striker prospect. We don’t have time to waste on him.”
This strategic pivot has raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike, especially given Manchester United’s recent track record with signing relatively unproven attacking players. Just last summer, the club shelled out over £70 million for Danish forward Rasmus Højlund from Atalanta — a move that drew mixed reactions due to the player’s limited top-flight experience. Similarly, their pursuit of Joshua Zirkzee is still fresh in the minds of many, with some critics labeling the club’s transfer policy as inconsistent and overly reliant on potential rather than proven quality.
While United’s scouts are reportedly impressed by the backup striker’s athleticism, versatility, and long-term potential, many supporters feel the club should be targeting more established stars — particularly with rivals like Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool all strengthening their squads with top-tier talent.
In response to fan frustration, Manchester United insiders claim that the club is trying to be more financially prudent while also building a team for the future. The backup striker, they argue, could provide long-term value and develop into a world-class player under Ten Hag’s system — if given time and proper mentoring.
With the transfer window in full swing and pre-season rapidly approaching, the Red Devils will be hoping to finalize a deal swiftly. Whether this new striker can live up to expectations, however, remains to be seen. What is certain is that Manchester United’s attacking options are once again under the spotlight — and fans will be watching every move closely.
