Bryan Mbeumo’s match-winning goal in stoppage time elevated Manchester United to fourth on the Premier League ladder.
Published On 26 Oct 202526 Oct 2025
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Manchester United’s improvement under coach Ruben Amorim continued as Matheus Cunha, Casemiro and two goals from Bryan Mbeumo secured a 4-2 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, their third successive Premier League win.
Looking to build on last weekend’s first victory at Liverpool since 2016, Cunha arrowed home a sublime 24th-minute strike into the bottom corner, the Brazilian’s first goal for United.
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There was fortune about the second from Casemiro 10 minutes later, his shot taking a huge deflection before finding the net, but Mbeumo’s well-taken third just after the hour mark put the hosts in complete command.
Danny Welbeck’s sublime free kick against his former club pulled one back for Brighton, before Charalampos Kostoulas’s header in stoppage time ensured a nervy finish at Old Trafford.
With Brighton committing everyone forward in search of the equaliser, Mbeumo fired a fine strike into the roof of the net to lift United to fourth in the standings. Brighton stayed 12th.
“I enjoy it a lot here,” Mbeumo told Sky Sports. “It hasn’t been easy at the start. It’s a new environment, a new expectation, but I think with the link-up with the team, everything is going the right way.
“The work we put in, the togetherness we give on the pitch, is key. I like the challenges, I came here to a big club, and we want to fight for the best places.”
Brazilian striker Matheus Cunha, centre, put Manchester United ahead 1-0 in the 24th minute [Oli Scarff/AFP]
Brighton big test for United
The visitors provided a big test for an improving United, given that since the start of the 2021-22 season no team has won more league games against United than Brighton.
United’s victory against Liverpool last weekend was the first time Amorim had achieved back-to-back league wins since taking charge 11 months ago, but the manager insisted the revival would be undone if they slipped to another loss to Brighton.
Welbeck forced a fine save from United goalkeeper Senne Lammens early on as Brighton started brightly, but Cunha’s pinpoint finish settled home nerves. Since the start of last season, Cunha has scored more goals from outside the box than any other Premier League player in all competitions.
Casemiro’s deflected strike deservedly put a dominant United further ahead, with more chances coming and going to extend the hosts’ lead before the break.
Mbeumo followed up his goal at Liverpool with the third to put United into a seemingly unassailable position.
Proof that they are far from the finished article yet came, however, as mistakes crept in and Welbeck started the Brighton comeback.
United appeared on the ropes when Kostoulas pounced to narrow the deficit to 3-2, but Mbeumo’s 96th-minute strike secured the three points as the home side won three straight league victories for the first time since August 2024.
“We put ourselves in a really difficult position,” Welbeck said. “We have a great group. We got two goals and were close to maybe getting a third. It didn’t happen, but it is a good sign we showed character.”
Mbeumo scores Manchester United’s fourth goal in the 96th minute [Phil Noble/Reuters]
Match of the Day pundit Shay Given says that referee Michael Oliver made the right decision to allow Bryan Mbeumo’s goal to stand in Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Liverpool in the Premier League.
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CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN was booed back at Brentford in United colours for having the temerity to join England’s biggest club three years ago.
And Bryan Mbeumo can expect similar treatment after the rancour around his transfer.
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Bryan Mbeumo is set to face the boo boys when he faces Brentford with Man UnitedCredit: Getty
United felt Brentford attempted to railroad Mbeumo into joining Tottenham or Newcastle United, convinced that he would be on a lower wage that would then drive up his transfer fee. Mbeumo joined United for £65, rising to £71m.
When Brentford finally relented and sold the AWOL Yoane Wissa to Newcastle on deadline day, it was for £50m plus £5m in add-ons.
Wissa is an actual striker and scored as many goals as Mbeumo last season, which undermined Brentford’s belief that they could have recouped more from Spurs or Newcastle for Mbeumo.
Xavi Simons and Nick Woltemade, Tottenham and Newcastle’s most expensive summer signings, were not as costly as Mbeumo.
The press room at the Community Stadium is so tight you tend to literally rub shoulders with colleagues. Staff from United and Brentford may keep their distance.
MAIN ATTRACTION
KOBBIE MAINOO is out of the United side and one of his closest teammates, Alejandro Garnacho, was out in the cold before he left last month.
But Mainoo has a new best pal in Leny Yoro.
Mainoo and Yoro have grown close since the latter joined United from Lille last summer.
Mainoo started learning Spanish while he was out two years ago as Garnacho and Amad are both fluent in the language.
Garnacho remains tight with Amad – the pair are represented by the same agent – as they demonstrated with last week’s infamous Instagram Story that Amad received online abuse for.
Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe spotted at one of his other clubs despite admitting ‘level of football not high enough’
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Kobbie Mainoo and Leny Yoro have become bestiesCredit: Getty
Mainoo is something of an outlier in that he has gravitated towards foreign teammates.
Although Yoro spoke impeccable English at the time of his £59million transfer.
PORT OF CALL
PORTUGUESE pair Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot both attended the Lewis Capaldi concert at Co-Op Live after last week’s victory over Chelsea.
Members of the Fernandes family had flown over from Portugal for the occasion.
Or to provide childcare for his two children.
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Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot watched Lewis Capaldi’s concert togetherCredit: Getty
CARR INSURANCE
THE NEW home matchday schedule for United players to report at Carrington before boarding a bus for Old Trafford caused confusion for some of the younger squad members last month.
A handful of youngsters assumed the team coach would ferry them back to the training complex after the game, where they had naively left their vehicles.
Senior players are usually dropped off at Carrington by a spouse or confidant and so their vehicle is in place at the stadium post-match.
Some stranded junior members of the squad had to get Ubers to the training base after a game to be reunited with their vehicles.
Erik ten Hag scrapped United’s pre-match stays at The Lowry Hotel in 2022 and the squad would arrive four hours before kick-off for home games.
Ruben Amorim has opted to delay United’s travel time and they now tend to get to their ground an hour-and-a-half before kick-off.
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Some players had to take Ubers back from Old Trafford to their cars at CarringtonCredit: Getty
HARDY ABLE
UNITED are in the process of signing teenage goalkeeper Charlie Hardy from Derby County.
Hardy, 16, has played five times for England Under 16s and is going through formalities to complete a move to United.
He was named on the bench against United U18s when he was only 14 last year and made his debut for Derby U18s at the age of 15.
As a category one scholar, Hardy can move to another English club at any time over the course of the season.
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Man Utd are closing in on a deal for Charlie HardyCredit: Getty
PELL RINGER
MANUEL PELLEGRINI thinks Antony just needed an arm put around him and a club that makes him feel important.
United reject Antony, 25, has been reborn at Real Betis after a miserable two years at Old Trafford.
The Brazil winger sparkled after joining Betis on loan in January and made the move permanent after long talks brought a deadline-day switch for up to £21.6m.
United included a 50 per cent sell-on clause in the deal for Antony, who followed a classy assist with a late goal to secure a 2-2 draw in Wednesday’s Europa League opener against Nottingham Forest.
Before the game, Betis boss Pellegrini, 72, said: “I try to make them feel the best so that they can also give me their best.”
Antony is much better suited to La Liga, where he is more comfortable with the ball at his feet and not so physically pressed.
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Antony has been backed to be a hit again at Real BetisCredit: AP
60. The energy from Grimsby has been brilliant tonight.
With an hour gone, they still seem to have plenty in the tank.
The next goal is criitical in this game, Man Utd have enough quality on the pitch to turn this match in an instant.
Grimsby 2-0 Man Utd
58. What a chance for the Red Devils.
Mbuemo swings a cross into the box and Heaven has a completely free diving header.
Somehow, he puts his effort over the crossbar.
Woeful effort.
Grimsby 2-0 Man Utd
56. This weather may be helping the hosts.
The rain is torrential and makes conditions very difficult to play passing football in.
Man Utd have a free-kick some thirty yards out, good chance to ask some questions of the keeper.
Grimsby 2-0 Man Utd
54. Green does brilliantly to hold the ball up.
He seemed to have got in behind the defence but did not have the legs to make the most of it.
Grimsby are still looking dangerous on the attack here.
View from SunSport’s Gareth Davies at Kassam Stadium
A word for 39-year-old James Milner, named as Brighton skipper on his first start for four days short of a year.
He was named as skipper, and kept things ticking along nicely as Albion’s class kept them way out in front.
It was almost too easy for Brighton, who made it 3-0 seconds before the hour mark when Diego Gomez scored right footed from close in with the home defence opened up again.
Grimsby 2-0 Man Utd
52. That was a massive chance for Grimsby.
It should give them confidence that the Red Devils look very open when the hosts come at them.
As the rain pours down, Man Utd get a low cross into the box but the mixture of keeper and defender allows the League Two outfit to clear.
It was a torrid season for Man Utd last campaign, finishing a woeful fifteenth in the Premier League table.
Having added two attackers, the elephant in the room is still their lack of striker.
Rasmus Hojlund is certainly not the answer to their problems, try as he might, he is not a natural goalscorer.
This was underpinned by the manager opting to play Matheus Cunha up front but that didn’t seem to work either.
Nobody knows if there is any more money to spend, if you speak to any of the staff laid off last season, they would say no.
One moment Sir Jim Ratcliffe is saying how close the club was to going bankrupt, the next they are building new stadiums and spending £150m on players.
Testing times for manager
David Moyes has been quite vocal about the club’s lack of transfer activity so far this summer.
They have a threadbare squad and could struggle if they get injuries to key players.
It is a concern how few goals they look to have in them in the final third and really need to be active in what remains in this transfer window.
Same problems still there
While the additions of Bryan Mbuemo and Matheus Cunha will add creativity in the final third, there is a lot of work still to do.
With Bruno Fernandes joining them in a front three, their midfield looks weak and was often overpowered by The Toffees.
As a defensive unit, they still look all over the shop.
The lack of cohesion and communication for both Everton goals is just not good enough for the Premier League.
Bruno Fernandes congratulates Mason Mount for his brilliant goalCredit: Getty
Skipper Bruno Fernandes fired the Red Devils into a 19th minute lead from the penalty spot, after James Tarkowski was adjudged to have fouled Amad Diallo in the box.
Iliman Ndiaye levelled for the Toffees before half-time, profiting on a poor mistake by Manuel Ugarte to score.
A brilliant strike by Mason Mount might have won it for United, but for Ayden Heaven‘s freak own goal 15 minutes from time.
Here is how SunSport’s Martin Lipton rated each Red Devil in Atlanta.
Altay Bayindir – 5
Keeper‘s United future is decidedly uncertain and all the reasons for that were again in evidence.
Slow reactions to Garner’s free-kick should have been punished by O’Brien although he could do nothing about Ndiaye’s strike.
United need a reliable back-up to Andre Onana. It’s hard to make a case for the Turk deserving that responsibility.
Leny Yoro – 7
Third start in a row for the French, a clear sign that Amorim has him in mind to be the right-sided defensive starter.
His callowness at times is on display, as you should expect.
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Leny Yoro could have a big season for the Red DevilsCredit: Getty
There are occasional errors but the potential is unquestioned and one tackle on Beto after De Ligt was dumbfounded was crucial. He would surely welcome more help than Amad will ever give him, though.
SunSport’s chief reporter Martin Lipton previews the season ahead for Man Utd… with confidence in the air
Matthijs de Ligt – 5
Had the task of neutering Beto’s threat but looked lumbering at times. Too often, when asked to defend, United stand off their men rather than forcing errors.
The Dutchman is unlikely to ever change at this stage in his career and you can envisage him and Maguire being in and out of the team all season. Strikers with genuine pace might be licking their lips.
Luke Shaw – 6
England veteran will probably be the man in possession on the left of the defensive trio for the start of the season and his emphatic backing for Amorim was a significant pointer of dressing room buy-in.
But Shaw will know this was not one of his more persuasive performances as he seemed ill at ease whenever Everton opted to run at him. Doesn’t help when the midfield is a leaky bathtub.
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Luke Shaw will be desperate for an injury-free campaignCredit: Getty
Amad Diallo – 7
Clearly viewed as a wing-back this season and unleashed his rocket speed well to create Cunha’s opening before winning the penalty converted by Fernandes.
A real threat going forward yet his defensive weaknesses – clear once again in the “Big Peach” – will surely be targeted by opponents as the season wears on. Can you risk him against the top Premier League sides?
Manuel Ugarte – 4
The Uruguayan insists he is now ready for the Premier League. He will have to be better prepared than he was in Atlanta – as he was nowhere near good enough.
Everton appeared to feel they could force errors by putting him under pressure. They were not wrong, catching him in possession for Ndiaye’s equaliser. This system will always see the most defensive midfielder exposed at times.
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Manuel Ugarte endured an evening to forgetCredit: Getty
Kobbie Mainoo – 5
Amorim is adamant the England midfielder can make a genuine first team claim and that he is fitter and more mobile after the pre-season campaign.
Yet it is hard to make the case that Mainoo has progressed over the past 12 months. Still not entirely sure what sort of player he is going to be or if he can fit this United shape..
Diogo Dalot – 6
Portuguese defender, one of the six-man “leadership group”, started on the left – although that would make him Dorgu’s likely understudy.
Did make one really key intervention in front of his own goal as simple centres from Everton left United looking more than vulnerable and happier when moved to the right for the second half.
Bryan Mbeumo – 7
First outing in a United short for the £71m recruit from Brentford, who drifted off the right hand side with purpose and penetration.
Superb instant switch of play led to the penalty and his willingness to forage on either flank was evidence that the Cameroonian will instantly upgrade United’s forward threat. Would have loved to cap his display with a goal but understandably has debut run-out restricted to 45 minutes.
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Bryan Mbeumo made his first outing in Man Utd coloursCredit: AP
Bruno Fernandes – 7
A third goal of the US Tour and second from the spot for the skipper, who is expected to reject the latest Saudi offer and remain at United, although if Sesko is bought he will have to play deeper than he did last night.
Saying that, the way he played in and around Mbeumo and Cunha suggested United might not have to sign the Slovenian to have real attacking threat, with Fernandes showing creativity and enterprise throughout although spat with Ndiaye was utterly needless.
Matheus Cunha 7
The Brazilian was asked to fill the central attacking role, rather than playing off the front man, although the trident gave him the opportunity to roam at times.
Prodded wide of the far post when he might have done better early on but the run in behind was excellent.
The feeling remains he is a scorer of great goals more than a great goal scorer. United surely need someone who can do the ugly stuff in front of the net.
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Matheus Cunha showed flashes of brillianceCredit: Getty
Subs:
Patrick Dorgu (for Mbeumo, 46) 7
One of the stand-out successes of the US Tour and his entrance on the left saw Dalot switch flanks and Amad move further forward. Instantly improved the United left with the ball.
Ayden Heaven (for Yoro, 57) 6
Teenager walked into a defence that was being worryingly stretched and did his best to bring more security. Own goal was not his fault at all.
Harry Maguire (for Shaw, 57) 6
A little bit of calmness is always welcome. Been there, got the tee-shirt. May not have the starting shirt, though.
Mason Mount (for Mainoo, 57) 8
Mount is desperate for an injury-free campaign and goals like he produced to put United back in front win this one will only help his cause. Terrific finish from 16 yards.
Casemiro (for Ugarte, 72) 6
Brazilian cannot lose the pace he never had. And surely he is smarter and more streetwise than Ugarte. 6
Rasmus Hojlund (for Cunha, 72) 6
Dane knows his United days may be numbered, even if that is against his will. All he can do is try to prove Amorim he can do a job.
Tyler Fredricson (for De Ligt, 88) 6
A late run-out for the youngster. Something more for him to remember from his fortnight Stateside
The Cameroon international, who recorded career-best figures in the EPL last season, joins the club on a long-term deal.
Manchester United has signed forward Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford until 2030, with the option to extend for a further year, United said.
United paid 65 million pounds ($88m) to Brentford, with another 6 million pounds ($8m) potentially due in add-ons for the 25-year-old Cameroon international, according to a club source.
Mbeumo hit new heights in the 2024-25 league season, finishing with a career-high 20 goals to help Brentford to a solid 10th-place finish in the Premier League. Only Mohamed Salah (29), Alexander Isak (23) and Erling Haaland (22) scored more league goals.
“As soon as I knew there was a chance to join Manchester United, I had to take the opportunity to sign for the club of my dreams, the team whose shirt I wore growing up,” Mbeumo said on Monday.
“My mentality is to always be better than I was yesterday. I know that I have the spirit of character to reach another level here, learning from [manager] Ruben Amorim and playing alongside world-class players.”
The versatile Mbeumo thrived on the right wing and also impressed as a centre-forward, proving indispensable for Brentford by starting every league game last season.
He joined the London club from Ligue 2 side Troyes in 2019 and made 242 appearances, scoring 70 goals and providing 51 assists.
“Bryan’s goals and assists record in the Premier League is exceptional. His remarkable consistency has put him amongst the most productive players in England for the last three seasons,” said United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox.
“We are delighted to have secured another one of our primary targets ahead of the preseason tour. The experience in the US will be the perfect opportunity for Bryan to work with Ruben and his new teammates as we prepare for an exciting season ahead.”
Mbeumo becomes United’s fourth signing of the summer after the arrivals of Matheus Cunha, Diego Leon and youngster Enzo Kana-Biyik.
United are playing three preseason matches in the United States: July 26 vs West Ham United in New Jersey, July 30 vs Bournemouth in Chicago and August 3 vs Everton in Atlanta.
Whatever the decision on United’s striker dilemma, there can be little argument the addition of Mbeumo – alongside Cunha – strengthens their firepower.
Only Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland scored more than his 20 Premier League goals last season.
It was, though, the first time he has reached double figures for a top-flight club, and his expected goals (xG) statistic of 12.3 – which he outperformed by 7.7 goals – is something that would be difficult to repeat.
In the past five Premier League seasons, just 14 players have overperformed their xG by five goals or more.
Sutton said: “He has done well at Brentford but playing for Manchester United is very different. With respect to Brentford, there is no great expectation there. At United, he will be expected to perform straight away.
“He has experience, he is a good finisher and his versatility is a big positive – he can play as a central striker as well as on the wing, cutting inside off the right on to his left foot.
“But he has had one very good season where his numbers were very good, so the question is whether he can repeat that.”
The Cameroon international is not being bought just for his goals, though.
Mbeumo prefers to play on the right behind a striker – with Cunha expected to feature on the left – but also has the versatility to play centrally, offering another solution to the striker problem.
He topped the list for touches per 90 minutes for players who scored more than 15 goals last season – showing his involvement in play – and ranks as one of the best ball carriers in the league, consistently with an effective end product.
He was 17th on the list of top assisters – with seven – but in expected assists he led the way in the Premier League with 9.3 xA.
Alongside Cunha’s creativity, that can only be good news for whoever is chosen to play the central striker role.
“Consistency in those forward positions is what United are striving for, because they have not had it with, say, Alejandro Garnacho or Antony,” said Sutton.
“They are maybe thinking an older, more experienced player, who is more reliable, is what they need. That’s Mbeumo – he fits into Ruben Amorim’s system and he fits the bill as proven Premier League quality too.
“Amorim wants a harmonious camp as well as a consistent performer, not someone who is a 3/10 one week and a 9/10 the next.
“That’s what Manchester United have really been lacking and the numbers Mbeumo provided could be really important. That is the part of the jigsaw they have got to really solve if they want to be challenging at the top end of the table.”
Manchester United are on the verge of signing Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford with a medical understood to be imminent.
Manchester United have reportedly agreed to sign Cameroon winger Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford in a deal worth an initial $87m as Ruben Amorim steps up his overhaul of the team’s misfiring attack.
Mbeumo attracted Amorim’s attention with 20 goals in 38 Premier League games for Brentford last season.
Tottenham, now managed by former Brentford boss Thomas Frank, were also chasing the 25-year-old before United’s improved offer sealed the deal after their two previous bids were rebuffed.
United will pay an additional 6 million pounds ($8.07m) in potential add-ons to Brentford.
Mbeumo is due to undergo a medical in time to travel to the United States on Tuesday as Amorim’s men start their pre-season tour.
He is set to become United’s third signing since the end of last season, joining Wolves forward Matheus Cunha and teenage Paraguayan defender Diego Leon at Old Trafford.
Amorim has been determined to revamp United’s forward options after a woeful campaign.
They suffered a toothless 1-0 defeat against Tottenham in the Europa League final and a 15th-place finish in the top flight that ranked as their lowest since 1973-74.
Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee struggled as Amorim’s main strikers last term.
Amorim has reportedly told Alejandro Garnacho to look for a new club, while Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho are expected to leave following their loan spells at Aston Villa and Chelsea, respectively.
Mbeumo will be Amorim’s latest new recruit in his bid to revitalise moribund United.
Having already paid 62.5 million pounds ($84.03m) for Cunha, United’s spending spree comes despite their failure to qualify for the Champions League costing the club a minimum of 70 million pounds ($94.11m).
The versatile Mbeumo is able to operate in a variety of roles on the flanks or in central attacking areas.
His pace, creativity and clinical finishing should be a significant boost to United.
Mbeumo blossomed in six years at Brentford, scoring 70 goals and providing 51 assists in 242 appearances in all competitions following his move from French club Troyes in 2019.
He helped the Bees win promotion to the Premier League in 2021 and was instrumental in their impressive 10th-place finish in 2024-25.
He has done well at Brentford, but playing for Manchester United is very different. With respect to Brentford, there is no great expectation there. At United, he will be expected to perform straightaway.
He has experience, he is a good finisher, and his versatility is a big positive – he can play as a central striker as well as on the wing, cutting inside off the right on to his left foot.
But he has had one very good season where his numbers were very good, so the question is whether he can repeat that.
Consistency in those forward positions is what United are striving for, because they have not had it with, say, Alejandro Garnacho or Antony.
They are maybe thinking an older, more experienced player, who is more reliable, is what they need. That’s Mbeumo – he fits into Ruben Amorim’s system, and he fits the bill as proven Premier League quality too.
United’s attack is clearly an area they need to improve. People talk about how the way they play at the back, with the back three Amorim wants, and it is a difficult system to play at times when you are trying to press high because all your players have to work hard and be really switched on.
That’s why he has gone for Mbeumo, because I think he is someone he feels he can trust in all areas, in possession and out of it, with the work-rate and energy he needs – and goals too.
Although they have been strongly linked with Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson and Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in recent days, it has always been the priority at Old Trafford to get the Mbeumo deal done in time for Amorim to work with him in the Chicago, where United will largely be based for their 13-day trip.
The 25-year-old scored 20 Premier League goals last season and a number of clubs were interested in him, including Tottenham, now managed by former Brentford boss Thomas Frank.
However, Mbeumo’s preference was to join United.
Brentford’s other main goal threat, striker Yoane Wissa, is the subject of interest from Newcastle.
Last season Amorim repeatedly spoke about United’s failure to convert their chances.
Their 44 Premier League goals was their worst return in a domestic campaign since they were relegated in 1973-74.
United have signed forward Matheus Cunha and defender Diego Leon in the summer transfer window.
Arsenal are set to approach Crystal Palace for Eberechi Eze, Liverpool hold talks with Jean-Philippe Mateta and Manchester United reach agreement to sign Bryan Mbeumo.
Arsenal are set to approach Crystal Palace to discuss whether they can do a deal for England winger Eberechi Eze without triggering the 27-year-old’s £68m release clause. (Talksport), external
Liverpool have held talks with Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, 28, with the Frenchman meeting with the club’s representatives in Paris. (Footmercato – in French) , external
Brentford are considering a move for Ipswich Town and England Under-21 winger Omari Hutchinson, 21, as a possible replacement Mbuemo. (Standard), external
After holding initial talks in January, Chelsea have active interest in 21-year-old Manchester United and Argentina winger Alejandro Garnacho. (TBR Football) , external
France defender Benoit Badiashile, 24, has been linked with Marseille but says he will be staying at Chelsea next season. (Footmercato – in French), external
West Hamhave added Liverpool’s England Under-21s duo, forward Harvey Elliott, 22, and defensive midfielder Tyler Morton, 22, to their list of targets. (Mail) , external
Manchester United have made contact with Lyon to ask about the availability of 30-year-old French midfielder Corentin Tolisso. (L’Equipe – in French) , external
Gabon international and former Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 36, is set to leave Saudi Arabian side Al-Qadsiah and join French club Marseille. (La Provence – in French), external
Manchester City will sell England Under-21s midfielder James McAtee, 22, this summer with an eye on generating pure profit from a Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) and Financial Fair Play (FFP) perspective. (Football Insider) , external
Wolves are close to agreement on a £15m deal for 27-year-old Fluminense and Colombia winger Jhon Arias. (Mail) , external
Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka has agreed to join Saudi Pro League side Neom SC, who have yet to finalise a fee with Bayer Leverkusen for the 32-year-old. (Sky Sports Germany), external
Manchester United signing Matheus Cunha revealed he has one of Marcus Rashford’s shirts at home.
Cunha made that statement just days after taking Rashford’s No10 shirt at Man Utd.
I always think about this shirt – the one I think about is Wayne Rooney, I grew up watching him play.
Many players, [Ruud] Van Nistelrooy, [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic.
I swapped shirts with Marcus Rashford also, I have his shirt in my home
Marcus Rashford
Bryan Mbeumo ‘frustrated’
Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo’s transfer saga continues to drag on.
According to the Evening Standard, Mbeumo is reportedly “frustrated” that he is yet to join United.
Man Utd have seen two bids rejected by the Bees for the forward, with the Red Devils yet to make a third offer.
It’s now been five weeks since the Cameroon international told his club he wants to move to Manchester.
Man Utd eye DCL – EXCLUSIVE
Manchester United are making a shock move to sign free agent Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who is available after leaving Everton at the end of his contract last month.
United boss Ruben Amorim wants to snap up Calvert-Lewin as the club juggle their finances and try to build a new forward line.
Insiders have revealed the club reached out to the striker about the possibility of a surprise move from Merseyside to Manchester.
Man Utd have already landed Matheus Cunha for £62.5million from Wolves and also bid the same figure for Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo.
But Amorim is also looking to offload attackers, Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Antony all in the firing line.
If the Red Devils balance the books successfully then it could create a gap in the Portuguese tactician’s squad for a new man who can lead the line but would also be happy to be a back-up forward.
United set for Elanga windfall
Man United will bank a tidy figure from Anthony Elanga’s Newcastle move.
The Nottingham Forest winger looks set to join Toon in a deal worth £60million.
United are entitled to around 15 per cent after selling Elanga to Forest for £15m in 2023.
And it means they are set to pocket around £7m from his north-east switch.
Hojlund keen on staying
Rasmus Hojlund does not want to leave Man United this summer.
But the striker doesn’t appear to have many suitors anyway.
Inter Milan were linked before their purchase of Ange-Yoan Bonny.
And Hojlund now looks set to remain unless there are offers later in the window.
Jadon’s Italian job
Juventus are hoping to sign Jadon Sancho.
But Man United want £15million for the winger.
He is back at Old Trafford after failing to secure a permanent Chelsea move.
Juventus are now lining up an offer but Sancho’s £250,000-a-week wages remain a stumbling block.
Arsenal are favourites to sign Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, Manchester United will have to pay £65m for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo and Jadon Sancho tries to facilitate a move to Juventus.
Arsenal are prepared to offer a player swap for Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze, 27, and look set to beat Tottenham Hotspur to the Englishman’s signature. (Sun), external
Brentford are likely to demand £65m for their striker Bryan Mbeumo, 25, having already rejected bids of £55m and £62.5m from Manchester United for the Cameroon international. (Mirror), external
Sporting and Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres, 27, is prepared to wait until the end of the summer window to get a loan deal to another European club if his move to Arsenal does not materialise. (Sun), external
England winger Jadon Sancho, 25, is prepared to take a significant pay cut in order to move from Manchester United to Juventus, but the Serie A club are still unwilling to meet the terms. (Il Corriere dello Sport – via The Mail), external
Nottingham Forest are targeting a move for PSV Eindhoven and Belgium winger Johan Bakayoko, 22, as they line up a replacement for 23-year-old Sweden international Anthony Elanga, who looks set to move to Newcastle United.(Telegraph – subscription required), external
Manchester United are set to get £8m as part of a sell-on clause they negotiated when they sold Elanga to Forest in 2023. (Talksport), external
Forest are also considering Bakayoko’s Belgium team-mate Malick Fofana, 20, with the Lyon winger also linked with Chelsea and Bayern Munich this summer. (Sky Sports, external)
Unai Emery is keen to bring Barcelona striker Ferran Torres, 25, to Aston Villa and is prepared to offer £43m for the Spaniard. (Fichajes – in Spanish), external
Arsenal‘s attempts to sign Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera, 21, have stalled as the La Liga club are asking for more than £20m for the Spanish international. (Mirror), external
Bayern Munich have held talks with Christopher Nkunku’s agent as they consider a move for Chelsea’s 27-year-old France striker. (Bild – in German), external
Sunderland are close to completing a deal to sign 20-year-old Morocco forward Chemsdine Talbi from Belgian side Club Brugge.(Fabrizio Romano), external
Atalanta have rejected a £45.7m offer from Saudi Arabian side Al-Qadsiah for Italy striker Mateo Retegui, with the Serie A side wanting £51.8m for the 26-year-old. (Football Italia), external
Everton are interested in signing 26-year-old goalkeeper Mark Travers, who impressed on loan at Middlesbrough from Bournemouth last season. (Sky Sports, external)
Sources have suggested Brentford would want at least the same fee as Wolves have received for Cunha up front before they agree to the sale of a player who still has a year left on his contract.
Mbeumo scored a career-best 20 goals for Brentford last season and contributed nine assists.
United may face competition from elsewhere, with new Tottenham manager Thomas Frank keen to be reunited with Mbeumo, while there has also been interest from other Champions League clubs.
An international colleague of United goalkeeper Andre Onana, Mbeumo is likely to miss four weeks of the 2025-26 campaign because of Cameroon’s participation in the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Cameroon play Gabon in their opening group game on 24 December.
Mbeumo joined Brentford from French club Troyes in 2019, when the Bees were still in the Championship.
He has scored 70 goals in 242 appearances in all competitions, helping the west London club earn promotion to the top flight in 2021.
Arsenal are interested in signing Bradley Barcola, Tottenham will focus on signing Eberechi Eze after Manchester United submit an improved offer for Bryan Mbeumo, Ibrahima Konate has turned down a new contract offer from Liverpool.
Tottenham will target Crystal Palace’s 26-year-old England winger Eberechi Eze after losing ground in the race to sign Brentford’s Cameroon forward Bryan Mbeumo following ManchesterUnited’s improved offer worth more than £60m for the 25-year-old. (Talksport), external
Liverpool’s 26-year-old France defender Ibrahima Konate, who is out of contract next summer, has rejected the club’s latest offer of a new deal. (Guardian), external
Newcastle are in talks with Burnley over a deal for 22-year-old England goalkeeper James Trafford. (Fabrizio Romano), external
Borussia Dortmund’s English winger Jamie Gittens remains a target for Bayern Munich despite the 20-year-old having a verbal agreement with Chelsea. (Sky Germany), external
Juventus are prepared to offer Serbia striker Dusan Vlahovic, 25, and Brazil midfielder Douglas Luiz, 27, as part of a deal with Manchester United for 25-year-old English winger Jadon Sancho. (Gazzetta dello Sport – in Italian), external
Barcelona are close to signing FC Copenhagen’s 19-year-old Swedish winger Roony Bardghji in a deal worth about £2m. (Sky Sports), external
Monaco are yet to agree a deal with free agent and former France midfielder Paul Pogba, 32, despite reports elsewhere saying they have. (Sky Sports), external
Manchester United have submitted an improved bid of more than £60m for Brentford striker Bryan Mbeumo.
This month United had a bid rejected for the 25-year-old of £45m plus up to £10m in add-ons.
Talks over the Cameroon forward, who would become the club’s second signing of the summer, are due to continue this week.
Following the £62.5m capture of Matheus Cunha from Wolves, United are keen to further strengthen Ruben Amorim’s squad before they return for pre-season training on 7 July.
New Tottenham manager Thomas Frank was keen to be reunited with Mbeumo, while there has also been interest in the forward from other Champions League clubs.
Sources have suggested Brentford would want at least the same fee as Wolves have received for Cunha before they agree to the sale of a player who still has a year left on his contract.
As with Cunha, Mbeumo’s Premier League experience is viewed as a major positive as Amorim needs players who can hit the ground running as United look to make a more positive start to the season than their three sluggish efforts under Erik ten Hag.
Mbeumo scored a career-best 20 goals for Brentford last season, while he also contributed nine assists to the Bees’ cause.
An international colleague of United goalkeeper Andre Onana, Mbeumo is likely to miss four weeks of the 2025-26 campaign because of Cameroon’s participation in the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Cameroon play Gabon in their opening group game on 24 December.
The renewed move for Mbeumo comes as the future of Alejandro Garnacho is once again the subject of intense debate after he posted an image of himself wearing an Aston Villa shirt with the name ‘Rashford’ on his social media channels.
Fellow United outcast Marcus Rashford responded to the post with a ‘my brother’ message to the Argentina forward, who has been valued at £60m after being told by Amorim to find another club this summer.
Newcastle move for Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga, Arsenal pursue Benjamin Sesko and Manchester United make improved offer for Bryan Mbeumo.
Newcastle United have made a move to try to sign 23-year-old Sweden winger Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest.(Mail), external
Arsenal have formally approached RB Leipzig to sign 22-year-old Slovenia striker Benjamin Sesko, although no bid has yet been lodged. (Sky Sports), external
Manchester United have made an offer worth £60m for Brentford and Cameroon winger Bryan Mbeumo, 25, after they had a first bid totalling £55m rejected. (ESPN), external
Lyon have rejected Manchester City’s first offer for 21-year-old France attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki as negotiations between the two clubs continue. (Florian Plettenberg), external
Tottenham will have to pay in excess of £10m if they want to bring in Brentford boss Thomas Frank to replace Ange Postecoglou, who has been sacked by Spurs. (Mirror), external
Serie A champions Napoli are weighing up a move for 25-year-old England defender Trevoh Chalobah, who helped Chelsea qualify for the Champions League and win the Uefa Conference League after returning from a loan spell at Crystal Palace in January. (Telegraph – subscription required), external
Bayern Munich,Real Madrid and AC Milan are keen on Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, 26, if he fails to agree a new deal at Paris St-Germain, while Inter Milan and Juventus may wait for his contract to expire in 2026, before making a move.(Gazzetta dello Sport – in Italian), external
Arsenal are among the clubs keen on 30-year-old Spain goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has a £5m release clause in his Chelsea contract. (Evening Standard), external
England midfielder Angel Gomes, who is set to leave Lille at the end of his contract this summer, has an agreement in principle to join Marseille, who have beaten Tottenham and West Ham to land the 24-year-old. (RMC Sport – in French), external
Newcastle are growing frustrated at being quoted inflated transfer fees with Eintracht Frankfurt’s £80m asking price for Hugo Ekitike putting the Magpies off a move for the 22-year-old French forward. (Telegraph – subscription required), external
Sunderland have rejected an offer from Borussia Dortmund for English midfielder Jobe Bellingham, but the clubs remain in talks about a deal for the 19-year-old. (Sky Sports Germany), external
AC Milan have shown interest in Bayer Leverkusen’s Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka, 32, while the Bundesliga club appear keen on bringing in Germany defender Malick Thiaw, 23, from the Serie A club. (Kicker – in German), external
