Why Manchester United are unhappy with Brentford after Bryan Mbeumo transfer negotiations

Man United have completed the signing of Bryan Mbeumo after a breakthrough with Brentford was finally reached last week.

Manchester United have accused Brentford of trying to pressure Bryan Mbeumo into joining Tottenham Hotspur or Newcastle United.

United are unhappy with how Brentford conducted themselves during negotiations even though Mbeumo made it clear from the outset he wanted to join United.

Arsenal expressed interest in Mbeumo and Chelsea made a late attempt to scupper United’s move but the 25-year-old completed a £65million move, rising to £71m, to United on Monday.

United sources believe the Mbeumo deal underscores their pull in the market, despite the club reeling from their worst season in 51 years. Matheus Cunha, their first addition of the summer, also generated internet from Arsenal in January.

United had two offers for Mbeumo rejected and Brentford held out for an up-front fee of £70m, which United baulked at.

Brentford changed managers last month when Keith Andrews replaced Thomas Frank, now at Tottenham, and the club took time before settling on Ipswich Town winger Omari Hutchinson as Mbeumo’s de facto replacement.

Well-placed sources also claim Brentford exerted pressure on Mbeumo to reduce his wage demands – which United figures have stressed were never an issue – seemingly in the hope it would increase the chances of Spurs or Newcastle signing the Cameroon international.

After joining United, Mbeumo said: “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.

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

“Everybody told me about the environment that is being created here and how exciting the plans are for the future. This is a massive club, with an incredible stadium and amazing fans, we are all really determined to challenge for the biggest trophies.”

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