Manchester United have added real excitement to their summer business with a signing who looks ready to make an instant impact.
Every one of Ineos‘ moves so far in 2025 has been either a high-potential prospect or an immediate upgrade.
Matheus Cunha was the first through the door, adding proven quality to Ruben Amorim’s squad. CEO Omar Berrada wasn’t shy about comparing Cunha’s impact to that of Eric Cantona.
On the prospect side, Diego Leon is arriving from Cerro Porteno as a player already drawing comparisons to Marcelo, even at just 18 years old.
Enzo Kana-Biyik has also agreed to join on a free after leaving Le Havre, although that deal hasn’t yet been officially announced.
United also won the race for Harley James-Emsden, who is rapidly making a name for himself among the country’s young defenders.
But it’s their next move that could have the biggest impact.
Ben Thornley says Bryan Mbeumo is ‘almost unplayable’ on his day
Bryan Mbeumo is closing in on a switch to Old Trafford, with United and Brentford reaching an agreement believed to be in the region of £63m.
And excitement is already building about what the former Brentford star can bring to the table.
Mbeumo has impressed plenty of fans in recent years – including several occasions when he’s faced United – and one of those was during his final appearance against the club just a few months ago.
He didn’t score or assist that day, it was Oscar Bobb who put in one of his best performances for the club in a midfield role – but Mbeumo certainly wasn’t off the pace.
Ben Thornley was covering the game for MUTV, and he was blown away by the Brentford winger – even before rumours of a move to United surfaced.
Asked about how Harry Amass was faring against Mbeumo, Thornley said: “With a player who is almost unplayable on his day in Bryan Mbeumo. The pace, the power, the finishing prowess, and we’ve already mentioned that he plays so much football, he’s never injured.
“Another thing Bryan Mbeumo does have is two wonderful feet.”
With Mbeumo now on the verge of becoming a United player, those comments might resonate even more.
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Mbeumo praised by Manchester United legends
Mbeumo’s impact goes beyond just the numbers, with notable figures like Gary Neville and Rio Ferdinand particularly vocal about his qualities.
After the 2024-25 season, Neville selected Mbeumo for his Team of the Season.
“What Mbeumo has done this season is special, I think he’s fantastic and someone I would love to have on my team, I’ve gone for him on numbers.”
And in a separate appearance on Sky Sports, Neville described where Mbeumo’s impact is most felt.
“I love watching Bryan Mbeumo play at the moment, there’s something about him, his personality. Looks like he’s a great character in that Brentford team and he’s perfect for them.”
Meanwhile, Rio Ferdinand was direct: “He’s a player that I think we will really benefit from. I’ll be very happy.”
Mbeumo’s deal hasn’t been made official yet. That said, Manchester United fans are already discussing how Ruben Amorim might set his starting line-up including the Cameroonian international. After a season with nine goals and 13 assists, the striker is expected to add significant firepower to the Red Devils squad.
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