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United View: Mbeumo saga reaches its conclusion

After weeks of stagnation, there is finally movement in Manchester United’s transfer dealings. 

Bryan Mbeumo has joined the club following a lengthy saga with Brentford, and Marcus Rashford has departed on loan to Barcelona, potentially opening the door for more business to take place.

Bryan Mbeumo becomes the second summer addition to Ruben Amorim’s squad after Brentford accepted United’s third offer of £65million fee with £6million in potential add-ons. 

The Cameroon international completed his medical over the weekend and will be available for the pre-season tour in the US.

After United’s second bid was rejected at the end of June, there was silence on both sides, causing some fans to become restless. 

With rivals completing moves for targets, United’s lack of activity in the market was becoming more prevalent as the weeks went on.

However, this was seen as a key week in the deal, with Mbeumo returning to England to begin pre-season with his now former club, Brentford. 

Though it came at a higher price and with delays, United have landed another top target.

Despite garnering interest from the likes of Newcastle and Tottenham, the 25-year-old made it clear he only wanted to join Manchester United. 

He’ll add a significant goal threat, as well as creativity to the Reds’ right-hand side, hopefully complementing Matheus Cunha, who made his unofficial debut on Saturday in a 0-0 draw with Leeds United in Stockholm.

The duo will now be ready to fly out to the States for the Premier League Summer Series, taking on West Ham, Bournemouth and Everton, providing ample time for both to come to grips with the squad and expectations of Ruben Amorim.

Elsewhere, United have reached an agreement with Barcelona for Marcus Rashford, who will join the La Liga Champions on a season-long loan, with an option to buy.

Whilst not a full sale, the Catalan club will cover the entirety of Rashford’s wages, freeing up space on United’s books and giving the Spanish side time before committing to a full transfer, should they be willing to make the deal permanent.

This is a deal that suits everyone, with Rashford – who has been frozen out of the squad by Amorim since December – getting his preferred move to the Spanish giants, who have been in the market for a left-sided attacker, capable of playing upfront. 

After moves for Liverpool’s Luis Diaz and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams fell through, a deal for the England international opened up.

The 27-year-old has become a divisive figure amongst fans at Old Trafford. 

And although he has to front up to his share of responsibility, he also gave a hell of a lot to the club, appearing 426 times and scoring 138 goals.

It’s a sad end, but one that feels like an appropriate time. 

Ruben Amorim doesn’t see him in his plans; the club will save a considerable amount of money, and Rashford won’t have the baggage of being an academy player, which comes with extra scrutiny and pressure at times.

With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Rashford will be looking to recapture his form and become an important part of Hansi Flick’s side. 

Although he will face stiff competition from Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres and Robert Lewandowski.

United will now try to find suitors for their four unwanted players, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Tyrell Malacia and Jadon Sancho, with deals complicated for varying reasons. 

United’s top priority now is a number nine, but to make that happen, they need to clear the decks.

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