Man Utd transfer U-turn verdict given after Brentford reject Bryan Mbeumo bid

Louis Saha has urged Manchester United against performing a U-turn and switching their focus to alternative targets amid Brentford's stubborn stance on Bryan Mbeumo. Two weeks ago, the Bees rejected United's opening bid to sign Mbeumo for £45million plus £55m in add-ons and have demanded a guaranteed £60m.

Both clubs have yet to reach an agreement over a compromise, which has increased speculation over whether the Red Devils will look elsewhere. Antoine Semenyo, Eberechi Eze and Xavi Simons reportedly also make up Ruben Amorim's shortlist, but Mbeumo is his top target after sealing a £62.5m deal for Matheus Cunha.

And Saha has urged United to stick to their guns and negotiate a fee to sign the 25-year-old - if he is joining the club to represent the badge rather than for financial gain.

"It is a difficult one. It is a lot of money to consider. I'm sure Mbeumo has no say in the £60m price tag," Saha told Express Sport with BetSelect.

"But if he can put pressure on his agent [to seal a deal], if he's that type of player, then I'd say please sign him, even for £60m.

"Because we want players, whatever the price, who want to sacrifice, who want to play for United, who want to play for the badge, not because he's got a bigger salary.

"I don't want any player who comes with an ego, claiming they are the stars or here to be the saviour. I'm looking for someone humble who is willing to make sacrifices."

Mbeumo's character, as well as his quality, has a good reputation from his time at Brentford, where he has registered 70 goals and 51 assists in 242 appearances.

The Cameroon international enjoyed the best season of his career in 2024/25, featuring in all 38 Premier League games and plundering 20 goals and eight assists.

Thomas Frank is such a big fan of his former forward that he has reportedly attempted to convince Mbeumo to follow him to Tottenham Hotspur.

However, the Brentford No. 19 is said to have already approved a transfer to United and agreed on personal terms, meeting Saha's criteria.

Beyond Mbeumo, Amorim will have to oversee player sales before adding further signings to his underperforming squad.

Marcus Rashford, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho are all in the shop window as part of an attacking overhaul.

Once Amorim makes more room in his budget, he is expected to pursue a new striker to play between Cunha and Mbeumo.