Although Ruben Amorim’s first six weeks as Manchester United’s manager haven’t been as straightforward as he had hoped, it seems like his plans are now taking shape.
Even though the 39-year-old has only won two Premier League games so far, he stopped a run of four straight losses on Sunday by putting on a much better performance against league leaders Liverpool.
With the Reds’ dominant home form and the 3-4-2-1 system beginning to look successful in every area of the field, goals from Lisandro Martínez and Amad Diallo secured an unexpected point.
Notwithstanding the outcomes, the January transfer window offers the new manager his first chance to bolster his team. To return the team to its former glory, several areas require significant investment, and one area in particular could be greatly enhanced. Several names, including one who has recently ignited England’s top flight, have already been floated as a potential addition to Old Trafford.
For the PL star, Man Utd will offer £42 million
One Spanish publication claims that before the January transfer window closes, Manchester United is prepared to pay €50 million (£42 million) to get Brentford striker Bryan Mbeumo.
With 13 goals in 20 games, the 25-year-old has been in outstanding form for Thomas Frank’s team in 2024–2025; only Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland have scored more goals to date.
The Cameroonian is reportedly seen by United’s management as the answer to their offensive problems, despite the Bees’ reluctance to trade with the star player this window.
He could be the ideal fit for Amorim’s current style because he can play a number of offensive positions, including central, 10, and off either side.
He would undoubtedly be a step above from one of the players now playing at Old Trafford, maybe severing his long-standing relationship with the team in the process.
The reasons why Mbeumo might be better than Rashford
After scoring three goals in his first two games under the new manager, Academy graduate Marcus Rashford appeared to be a key member of the team during Amorim’s stint.
However, given his consecutive absences from the first team squad, it appears that his time with his boyhood club may be coming to an end soon.
Three teams are interested in signing the 27-year-old this transfer window: Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, and Juventus. The Englishman hasn’t played for the Red Devils since the Europa League victory over Viktoria Plzen in the first week of December, and he hasn’t appeared in any of the team’s last six games across all competitions.
The Brentford star has much exceeded Rashford in many crucial aspects in 2024–2025, demonstrating what an excellent acquisition he would be, despite the fact that he would be somewhat expensive.
Mbeumo has outscored the current United forward and averaged more progressive carries and passes, demonstrating his skill in the final third. Pundit Dan Bardell has called him “one of the best players in the Premier League.”
| How Mbeumo compares to Rashford in the PL (2024/25) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Statistics (per 90) | Mbeumo | Rashford |
| Games played | 20 | 15 |
| Goals scored | 13 | 4 |
| Progressive carries | 3.2 | 1.8 |
| Progressive passes | 4.1 | 1.9 |
| Shot-creating actions | 3.8 | 2.7 |
| Take-ons completed | 45% | 23% |
| Aerials won | 1 | 0.5 |
| Stats via FBref | ||
Additionally, the Brentford star has won more aerials and completed more take-ons in 2024–2025, demonstrating his versatility should Amorim finalize a deal for his services.
If the Red Devils are to salvage anything from the current campaign, it is undeniable that Old Trafford needs acquisitions badly. However, any additions must be well-considered and not made purely for show.
With all the resources to succeed under the former Sporting CP manager’s tutelage, the Cameroonian player might flourish if he relocates to the North West.
For a player of his caliber, £42 million is an incredible price, and it will give the team the fresh attacking dimension they have been sorely lacking in recent months.
