Manchester United are now expected to shift focus to other targets following Bryan Mbeumo’s reported decision to reject the club

With no agreement yet in sight, Manchester United’s drawn-out pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo is beginning to wear thin among fans—especially as clubs like Chelsea and Arsenal continue to make progress with their own transfer business. As Brentford refuse to budge on their £60 million valuation, many supporters and pundits are growing impatient. Some are now calling for manager Ruben Amorim to walk away and explore other options, but former United forward Louis Saha believes the club should just pay the fee and avoid regrets.

According to Saha, United have three paths they can take if Mbeumo proves unattainable.

First, they could agree to meet Brentford’s full price and secure the player ahead of the new season. While £60 million may seem steep, Brentford are basing their demand on the recent £62.5 million move of Matheus Cunha, and securing Mbeumo early could allow him to integrate with the squad during pre-season.

Second, the club could continue talks with Brentford while also actively scouting alternatives. Players such as Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, and PSG’s Xavi Simons are among those linked. But none of them would come cheap either, and each carries its own risks—whether due to price, inexperience, or transfer complexity.

The third option would be to pivot entirely and shift focus to other positions. United are still in need of a quality central midfielder and a reliable striker. This strategy might also be a way to pressure Brentford, as the fear of missing out on a big-money sale could bring them back to the negotiating table.

Now that the new financial year has kicked off, clubs like United have more breathing room under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules. This opens the door to creative payment deals or raising cash through the sale of players like Jadon Sancho, Casemiro, or Mason Greenwood.

The situation could evolve quickly over the next couple of weeks as United sort out their transfer priorities. Amorim, alongside new football director Dan Ashworth, is expected to recalibrate their approach soon.

While Mbeumo may not have the star power of some of United’s previous signings, his Premier League experience, adaptability, and calmness on the ball make him a valuable option. Whether United decide to meet Brentford’s asking price or turn their attention elsewhere, the coming days will be crucial in shaping their summer strategy.