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Feature
- 19 hours ago
Why the Premier League’s ‘most popular’ striker is ALMOST perfect for Man Utd
Robin Bairner
- Updated: 5 May 2025 22:45 BST
- 5 min read
Analysis
Manchester United have launched a massive bid for Brentford attacker Bryan Mbeumo as the Ruben Amorim revolution prepares to get underway in earnest during the summer transfer window.
The 25-year-old attacker has seen his reputation explode this season after a string of excellent performances with the Bees, leading to him being branded the Premier League’s “most popular” striker.
But how smoothly can he fit into Amorim’s plans at Old Trafford?
Current ETV
Bryan Mbeumo
F (CR), M (R)
Brentford
Bryan Mbeumo
F (CR), M (R)
Brentford
ETV Range
€51.5M - €62.9M
Bryan Mbeumo almost has it all
In terms of raw ability, data analytics firm SciSports believes that Mbeumo is better than any player currently on the Red Devils’ books. And not only would he have key player status immediately upon arriving at Old Trafford, he’s got a ceiling that, if reached, would make him one of the best players in the Premier League.
So when it comes to ability, he gets a big tick. What about transfer fee?
Rumours of a €70 million bid appear to be reasonable. He has an Estimated Transfer Value of €57.2m, so while United would be paying a premium to sign the player, it’s not an outlandish one.
Brentford, meanwhile, are likely to be open to selling, despite Mbeumo being only of their key figures. Signed from Troyes for €6.5m in 2019, he has more than repaid that fee and, with one year left on his contract, the London club will have to sell this summer to maximise their profit.
This is something that manager Thomas Frank has already admitted.
“I’ve said many times: we are a selling club. But at the same time we have to reinforce that there are ten clubs in the world who aren’t selling clubs,” he said.
“So of course if the right price – and that’s going to be expensive – is coming, then I’m sure the club will be open for it. But I’m very happy he’s here, and I’m convinced that Bryan will still be happy playing football here.”
Another big plus for Mbeumo, then.
Physically, too, he appears purpose-built for Amorim’s system. He is among the quickest forwards in the Premier League, while he also rates among the attackers with the highest stamina levels.
So far, so good. But there is one aspect of Mbeumo that remains relatively unproven in the eyes of SciSports, who give Man Utd a modest Club Fit score of 61. This figure is calculated out of 100 and is calculated based upon a number of variables including potential development, playing time, style and formation.
The big fears for Mbeumo are not over his talent or physical attributes, but his ability to fit into Amorim’s unusual 3-4-3 system. Indeed, he scored just one star out of five for playing style and formation.
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While Real Madrid may wish a sale, it may be difficult to manufacture given his large wages and chronic physical unreliability over the course of the last 18 months. Alaba would certainly represent a major gamble for any buying club.
