Manchester United Eye Midfield Reinforcements as Mbeumo Deal Edges Closer

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Manchester United are pushing ahead in the summer transfer window, edging closer to securing Bryan Mbeumo while laying the groundwork for a major midfield shake-up.

Manchester United’s summer transfer plans appear to be gaining momentum. The club is nearing a deal for Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo and identifying a shortlist of central midfield targets to strengthen Erik ten Hag’s squad ahead of the new season.

Talks with Brentford are ongoing, with United having submitted a revised bid in excess of £60 million for the Cameroon international. Their opening offer of £55 million was turned down by the west London club, who are reportedly holding out for closer to £63 million. While nothing is signed yet, the expectation around Old Trafford is that a deal could be reached soon.

Mbeumo, 24, has emerged as a top target for United following a strong campaign at Brentford. Despite an injury-hit season, he still managed nine Premier League goals and was a vital creative outlet for Thomas Frank’s side. United’s interest is part of a wider push to revitalise their attack, having struggled in front of goal last season, scoring just 44 league goals, their lowest total in the Premier League era.

Midfield Focus

However, while the focus has been heavily on finding another forward, plans are already shifting toward midfield reinforcements. According to The Independent’s Miguel Delaney, United will prioritise a new central midfielder once the Mbeumo situation is resolved.

Delaney noted in his latest newsletter: “There’s been a lot of noise about Manchester United and strikers, but the feeling is that the next priority once Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo is secured-it seems to get closer every day-is a central midfielder.”

The club is said to be monitoring three players closely: Martin Hjulmand of Sporting Lisbon, Bayern Munich’s João Palhinha, and Palmeiras’ Richard Rios. All three would bring different qualities to United’s midfield. Hjulmand offers control and composure, Palhinha is known for his strength and defensive acumen, and Rios brings a dynamic edge and versatility.

Of those names, Palhinha’s situation is perhaps the most complex. Bayern Munich are currently dealing with an injury to Jamal Musiala, which could force them to dip back into the market themselves, making any deal involving Palhinha more difficult unless Bayern can sign a replacement. Complicating matters further, like United, Bayern are also thought to be under pressure to sell before they can buy.

So far, United have confirmed two summer arrivals. 

Matheus Cunha joined from Wolverhampton Wanderers after the club activated his £62.5 million release clause. The Brazilian forward has signed a five-year deal with an option for a sixth. Paraguayan teenager Diego Leon has also been brought in, though he is likely to be loaned out to aid his development.

Still, many supporters are growing impatient with the lack of urgency in the transfer window. With pre-season now underway and top-flight rivals such as Chelsea and Arsenal moving quickly, fans are eager for the club to show the same intent.

There is a sense that United, under new boardroom leadership and facing Financial Fair Play constraints, is treading carefully. But with key positions still needing attention, supporters will hope this is just the beginning of a more aggressive and strategic summer rebuild.