Manchester United are reportedly in the market for a new striker as the transfer window winds down, following supposed signings of Matheus Cunha from Wolves and Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford. These two were claimed to be part of a major reshuffling of United’s attacking line, with a centre-forward expected to complete the trio. However, no clear candidate has yet emerged to take up that central role.
Under what was described as manager Ruben Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 formation, Mbeumo and Cunha were allegedly set to play in the dual number 10 roles, flanking a central striker. As of now, the likes of Rasmus Hojlund or Joshua Zirkzee were said to be in the running for that central position, though other names like Liam Delap, Hugo Ekitike, and Viktor Gyokeres were previously linked before choosing other clubs.
Amidst all this, attention turned to Benjamin Sesko, the RB Leipzig forward, who was reportedly being considered by United and Newcastle. However, instead of Sesko, it was claimed that Bryan Mbeumo heaped praise on another target—Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins—in his first full interview after supposedly joining United. Mbeumo allegedly described Watkins as a complete forward, noting his ability to play in behind defenders or drop deep, and how well he complements wingers.
The story further added that Mbeumo and Watkins had played together at Brentford and might reunite at Old Trafford if United missed out on Sesko. Though Watkins is now 29, his prolific goal record for Villa in the Premier League was highlighted as a reason United might still consider him.
But here’s the truth: none of this has actually happened. Matheus Cunha remains at Wolves, and Bryan Mbeumo is still a Brentford player. There are no credible reports linking either to Manchester United. Moreover, Erik ten Hag is still the United manager—Ruben Amorim has not taken charge at Old Trafford.
Ollie Watkins has not been linked to a United move by any trustworthy source, and Benjamin Sesko signed a long-term contract with RB Leipzig back in June 2024, making a summer exit highly unlikely. Mbeumo never gave an interview as a United player, because he isn’t one.
In reality, Manchester United are actively working on deals for players like Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna, Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich, and Joao Neves from Benfica. There’s also interest in left-backs like Milos Kerkez and Miguel Gutierrez, but no official signings have been made involving Cunha, Mbeumo, or Watkins.
In summary, the narrative involving Cunha and Mbeumo joining United, Amorim managing the team, and Watkins being a top target, is entirely fictional.
