Why is MU willing to spend 71 million pounds for Mbeumo?

£71m for Bryan Mbeumo may have raised eyebrows, but look at his performance and character - United have found a gem who could transform their attack.

Bryan Mbeumo is set to join Manchester United.

Five years ago, Brentford went into the Championship play-off final with huge faith in their attacking trio of ‘BMW’ – Said Benrahma, Bryan Mbeumo and Ollie Watkins. The trio were a whirlwind that tore through defences, scoring 59 goals between them that season.

At the time, all eyes were on Benrahma and Watkins - two bright gems sought after by the Premier League. Just a few months after the defeat to Fulham, both left Brentford for a fee of nearly £30 million each.

Why is Mbeumo special?

And Mbeumo? He was considered the “least famous piece” of the trio. But at Brentford, they saw great potential in the Cameroonian. Pontus Jansson, the former Brentford captain, once frankly commented: “Mbeumo is the biggest talent”. That comment sounded like encouragement at the time, but now, it has become an obvious truth.

After four years of quietly shining in the Premier League, Mbeumo has officially entered the elite group of players. Manchester United, in a tumultuous transfer period, convinced him to join Old Trafford for a fee of up to 71 million pounds, beating off competition from Tottenham. This was not only an expensive contract, but also a sign that MU had given up on chasing flashy names in search of players who truly “know how to win”.

Last season, only Salah, Isak and Haaland scored more Premier League goals than Mbeumo. He finished the season with 20 goals - a figure that reflects not only his finishing ability, but also his performance against expectations: from an xG of just 12.26, Mbeumo almost doubled it.

The Cameroonian striker's ability to "tear the net" comes in many forms: explosive volleys against Tottenham and West Ham, cannon shots to defeat Leicester and Newcastle, or cold penalties against Wolves and Crystal Palace.

Bryan Mbeumo scored 20 goals in the Premier League in the 2024/25 season.

It is worth noting that Mbeumo has primarily played on the right wing, rather than as a centre-forward. His ability to cut inside and finish with his left foot has become a “specialty”, like a more refined and varied version of Arjen Robben in his prime.

If you look at the current transfer market - where wingers such as Noni Madueke, Anthony Elanga and Mohammed Kudus are valued at £50-55m - then £71m for a player who scored 20 goals last season is clearly a "profitable" investment.

Now the question is how will Amorim use Mbeumo at MU? Amorim's 3-4-3 system requires wingers who are not only capable of scoring goals but also willing to participate in pressing and defending.

Mbeumo has all these qualities: speed, wide ability, pressing skills and tenacity. He can play as a right-sided number 10 - where he needs to be both creative and sharp - or even as a wing-back when needed. The ability to switch positions with Amad Diallo could add versatility and unpredictability to United's attack.

What is more important is the attitude to play. MU does not lack talent, but lacks players who know how to sacrifice and are willing to do the "dirty" work for the team. Mbeumo is that type of player. He may not be as flashy as Antony or Rashford, but he is certainly more effective and practical.

From 'Brentford boy' to Old Trafford spotlight

Mbeumo's story is also special because of his personality and lifestyle, which are different from most star players. He does not indulge in luxurious pleasures but chooses to play chess, learn piano, read books and train his mind with specialized applications.

Bryan Mbeumo is not a flashy name.

At Brentford – a club famous for its “family” culture – these interests are respected and encouraged. So much so that the team even put a piano in the training ground for him to perform for his teammates. Mbeumo once admitted: “I was more nervous playing for my teammates than I was playing in the Premier League.”

Old Trafford certainly doesn’t have the “family” atmosphere of Gtech Community Stadium. With Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s tight budget policy, MU will not “spoil” Mbeumo like Brentford did. But perhaps it is his quietness, humility and ability to create connections that will become a new catalyst for the “Red Devils” dressing room - a place that is too familiar with drama and conflict.

The Mbeumo deal reflects a change in United’s transfer thinking. Instead of chasing big-money signings like Sancho, Antony or Pogba – which were costly but ineffective – United are looking for players who can make an immediate impact. Mbeumo is that type of player: no need to adapt long, has Premier League experience, good performance and a progressive attitude.

The success of this deal could provide a morale boost to the entire squad. Manchester United are in a rebuilding phase, and a “complete” player like Mbeumo could be the key to unlocking balance in attack. He is not only a tactical piece, but also an example of the professionalism that United need to restore.

Mbeumo is a perfect example of Brentford’s ‘discover and nurture’ philosophy. In a league full of big-money signings, the story of a player who has come from Ligue 2, moved to the Championship, blossomed in the Premier League and now been sold for £71m is an inspiring one. It also shows that the Premier League is not just a playground for big stars, but also a place where ‘rough diamonds’ are polished to shine.

In that context, MU is betting on a player who has grown from humility and hard work, rather than chasing the spotlight. If Mbeumo succeeds at Old Trafford, this deal will be remembered as one of MU's smartest contracts in the post-Sir Alex era.

Source: https://znews.vn/vi-sao-mu-san-sang-chi-71-trieu-bang-cho-mbeumo-post1569816.html