Tottenham Lead the Race for Bryan Mbeumo as Manchester United Risk Losing Out
Manchester United’s pursuit of Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo appears to be in jeopardy, with fresh reports suggesting that Tottenham Hotspur have now taken the lead in the race for the Cameroonian star. The shift comes as Mbeumo is reportedly re-evaluating his options following Thomas Frank’s recent appointment as Spurs’ new head coach.
United had previously been considered front-runners to secure the signature of the right-sided winger, with strong interest stemming from the club’s desire to bolster their attacking options this summer. With manager Ruben Amorim aiming to rebuild the squad following a frustrating 2023/24 campaign, Mbeumo had been identified as a dynamic and versatile option capable of adding creativity and consistency to United’s forward line.
However, momentum appears to be swinging in Tottenham’s favor. According to Sky Sports, Mbeumo is now seriously considering a move to North London and sees Spurs as an “intriguing” destination. The influence of Frank — his long-time manager at Brentford — is believed to be a major factor in this potential shift. The two have built a strong relationship over several years, and Mbeumo is reportedly excited by the prospect of continuing that partnership at a club with greater ambitions and resources.
The 24-year-old forward enjoyed another impressive season with Brentford, contributing with goals, assists, and his trademark high work rate on the right flank. His performances have consistently caught the eye, and his ability to operate across multiple positions in attack makes him a valuable asset for any top-six club.
Manchester United, meanwhile, are facing increasing pressure in the transfer market. With multiple areas of the squad needing reinforcement — including the forward line, midfield, and goalkeeping positions — the club’s transfer strategy has come under scrutiny. While Amorim has reportedly approved a shortlist of attacking targets, United are yet to finalize any deals, and their hesitation could now cost them the chance to bring Mbeumo to Old Trafford.
Spurs, on the other hand, have moved quickly since naming Thomas Frank as head coach. The Danish tactician, who was officially confirmed on June 12, is said to have prioritized bringing familiar faces to help implement his style of play. Mbeumo, having thrived under Frank’s guidance at Brentford, fits that bill perfectly. With the player already accustomed to Frank’s tactical demands and system, the move could represent a seamless transition.
Mbeumo’s attraction to Spurs also stems from the opportunity to play a more prominent role in an attacking setup that is expected to be reshaped this summer. With uncertainty surrounding the futures of several current Spurs forwards, there is likely to be room for new attacking recruits — and Mbeumo could be offered a starring role under Frank’s leadership.
While Manchester United haven’t completely given up hope of signing the winger, the latest developments suggest they may need to act swiftly — and decisively — if they are to reclaim their position in the race. The Red Devils are known to be working under financial constraints due to Premier League spending regulations, which may have delayed formal negotiations.
The coming weeks will be crucial as both clubs push to secure priority targets. For Mbeumo, the decision will come down to more than just finances — personal connections, style of play, and long-term vision will likely influence his final choice.
If Spurs do succeed in landing him, it would mark an early transfer window win for Thomas Frank and signal their serious intent ahead of the new season. For United, it would be a frustrating setback in their efforts to rebuild and reassert themselves among the Premier League’s elite.
