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Manchester United‘s newest signing has revealed why he joined the club in his first words since his £71million move from Brentford was confirmed.
Byran Mbeumo is officially a United player, with the Red Devils confirming his move on Monday evening, nearly two months since they tabled their first bid for the Cameroon attacker.
Mbeumo, 25, made it clear that he only wanted to join United even though he came under pressure from Brentford to listen to a rival offer from Tottenham. There was also interest from Arsenal and Newcastle, while Chelsea are believed to have made a late attempt to hijack the deal in the last two weeks of negotiations.
United are unhappy with Brentford for dragging out the talks and changing their valuation – at one stage raising their demand to £70m plus £7m in add-ons. They are also believed to have put pressure on Mbeumo to lower his wage demands so United could offer a larger transfer fee.
There is, though, relief around Old Trafford that they have finally captured a player who has averaged an impressive 18 goal contributions per season since Brentford’s promotion to the top-flight.
There was a point where it was thought that Mbeumo could potentially be headed elsewhere, but the forward himself revealed there was little doubt in his own mind when he heard of United’s interest.
Bryan Mbeumo has revealed why he joined Man United in his first words since joining the club
Mbeumo put pen to paper on a deal worth £71million after United grew frustrated with the Bees
There was a question over whether Mbeumo could have joined his former manager Thomas Frank at Tottenham
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.’
Jason Wilcox, United’s director of football, added: ‘Bryan’s goals and assists record in the Premier League is exceptional, his remarkable consistency has put him amongst the most productive players in England for the last three seasons.
‘Bryan’s belief in our project and determination to join the club confirmed that he was the perfect fit for Manchester United and the culture that we are developing. We are delighted to have secured another one of our primary targets ahead of the pre-season tour.
‘The experience in the US will be the perfect opportunity for Bryan to work with Ruben and his new team-mates as we prepare for an exciting season ahead.’
Mbeumo will join his new team-mates on United’s pre-season US tour when the squad flies to Chicago this week. He could get his first opportunity to impress in his new colours on Sunday against West Ham.
He emerged as a top target for United this summer after the club scored just 44 Premier League goals in 2024-25 – their lowest ever single-season tally in the re-branded top flight.
