Dream move: Mbeumo signs for Man United

LONDON — Cameroon winger Bryan Mbeumo said on Monday that he "grew up wearing" a Manchester United shirt, after joining the club from Brentford on a deal until 2030, with an option for a further year.

Mbeumo, 25, will reportedly cost the 20-time league champion an initial 65 million pounds ($87 million) having scored 20 goals in 38 league games last season for the Bees.

Tottenham, now managed by former Brentford boss Thomas Frank, was also chasing the France-born attacker, before United's improved offer sealed the move.

United's third bid, which also included six million pounds in add-ons, was accepted last week.

"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," Mbeumo said in a United statement.

"The team whose shirt I wore growing up. This is a massive club, with an incredible stadium and amazing fans, we are all really determined to challenge for the biggest trophies," he added.

United coach Ruben Amorim has signed two other players over the summer in an attempt to avoid a repeat of last season's catastrophic display.

It lost to Tottenham in the Europa League final and its 15th-place finish in the league was its lowest since 1973-74.

Wolves forward Matheus Cunha and teenage Paraguayan defender Diego Leon have also moved to Old Trafford.

'Primary target'

Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee struggled as Amorim's main strikers last term.

"My mentality is to always be better than I was yesterday," Mbeumo said. "I know that I have the spirit and character to reach another level here, learning from Ruben Amorim and playing alongside world-class players."

Mbeumo blossomed in his six years at Brentford, scoring 70 goals and providing 51 assists in 242 appearances across all competitions following his move from French club Troyes in 2019.

"There is always a right time for a player to move on and, for Bryan, that time is now," Brentford director of football Phil Giles said.

"He has the opportunity to go to one of the biggest clubs in the world, and we are very happy for him," he added.

Mbeumo helped the Bees win promotion to the Premier League in 2021 and was instrumental in their impressive 10th-place finish in 2024-25.

"We are delighted to have secured another one of our primary targets ahead of the preseason tour," the Red Devils' director of football Jason Wilcox said.

"The experience in the United States will be a perfect opportunity for Bryan to work with Ruben and his new teammates as we prepare for an exciting season ahead," he added.

In terms of United outgoings, Marcus Rashford is set to leave his boyhood club for Barcelona, with an announcement expected this week.

Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia continue to look for new clubs and are not expected to fly to the US as part of the tour squad.

United starts its preseason tour of the US on Saturday, when it faces West Ham in New Jersey, before playing Bournemouth in Chicago on July 30 and Everton in Atlanta on Aug 3. Its opening game of season is at home to Arsenal on Aug 17.

AFP