Manchester United have officially kickstarted their preparations for the 2025/26 Premier League season with players back at Carrington and anticipation building. As the countdown to their opening game against Arsenal ticks down, new manager Rúben Amorim finds himself scrambling to fine-tune the squad. While the early signing of Matheus Cunha made a bold statement, momentum in the transfer window has since fizzled — particularly regarding Bryan Mbeumo, whose deal remains frozen.
The Red Devils wasted no time by shelling out ÂŁ62.5 million to bring in Cunha from Wolves, aiming to rebuild the attack with Amorim’s tactical fingerprints all over it. However, that initial spark hasn’t ignited a flurry of activity. The club’s interest in Brentford forward Mbeumo has hit a frustrating standstill, despite multiple bids being placed and the player himself showing a clear desire to join the United ranks.
Two substantial offers — the latest exceeding £60 million — were lodged, but Brentford responded by hiking up their asking price. So far, Manchester United haven’t countered with a third bid. While Mbeumo is reportedly eager for the switch and personal terms are believed to be agreed, the stalemate drags on. And with pre-season looming, the silence from Old Trafford’s boardroom is growing louder by the hour.
Part of the issue lies in the club’s inability to offload players. Casemiro, Jadon Sancho, and Mason Greenwood are among those expected to exit, but until permanent moves are secured, United’s hands are tied. Financial constraints under the Profit and Sustainability Rules mean no major purchases can go through without generating cash from departures, putting further signings — like JoĂŁo Neves or Matthijs de Ligt — on ice.
Time is becoming a cruel enemy. The club’s pre-season campaign is fast approaching, with Leeds on July 15 and a U.S. tour beginning July 27 against West Ham. Amorim is eager to integrate new signings into his intense, pressing system well before competitive football begins. But aside from Cunha and academy prospect Diego Leon, United’s squad remains worryingly incomplete for the journey ahead.
Fans, never ones to stay silent, are beginning to vent their frustrations. Mbeumo’s impressive 20-goal haul last season only fuels the impatience, especially as rival clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea push forward with their own signings. Supporters feel United’s transfer strategy, once promising, now looks hesitant and toothless.
Looking ahead, United have a few forks in the road. They could return with a third, improved offer for Mbeumo and try to pressure Brentford. Alternatively, they might pivot to other wide options like Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise or Rennes’ Desire Doue — though neither would come cheap or easy. There’s also the option of diverting attention to striker or midfield targets instead, if Brentford won’t play ball.
This week may well be decisive. If United are to give Amorim the platform to compete from day one, player sales must be wrapped up and new additions locked in quickly. Otherwise, the club risks heading into yet another season of underperformance, with expectations unmet and the cycle of frustration repeating once more.
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