Manchester United Spending £60M on Cunha and Mbeumo Sparks Outrage – But Why the Double Standard?

Spurs went to Bournemouth and spent £70M on Solanke. Man City went to Aston Villa and spent £100M on Grealish. Arsenal went to West Ham and spent £105M on Rice. Chelsea went to Brighton and spent £120M on Caicedo. But United spending £60M on Cunha and Mbeumo is where you draw the line?

In a transfer market that’s spiraling with inflated fees and eye-watering valuations, one question seems to be ringing louder than the rest: Why is it Manchester United who always get scrutinized the most?

When Tottenham Hotspur decided to fork out £70 million for Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth, the footballing world barely blinked. It was treated as a club moving smartly in the market for a player who had proven Premier League credentials and was entering his prime. A fair move, some said. Business done, others concluded.

Then there’s Manchester City. A club that has broken records, dominated the domestic scene, and redefined consistency. When they spent £100 million on Jack Grealish from Aston Villa, the narrative quickly shifted to tactical flexibility, English core development, and “the price you pay for brilliance.”

Arsenal didn’t shy away from spending either. £105 million on Declan Rice from West Ham United made headlines, but the discussions centered around his leadership qualities, his athleticism, and how he could take Mikel Arteta’s midfield to the next level. Nobody questioned if Rice was overpriced—they just called it “ambition.”

And of course, Chelsea, under Todd Boehly’s chaotic-yet-unapologetic spending spree, shelled out £120 million for Moises Caicedo from Brighton & Hove Albion. Despite the staggering price, many praised the club for “winning the battle” against Liverpool and getting their man. Even if Caicedo’s performances since have been mixed, the media tone has largely remained patient, understanding, and hopeful.

But fast forward to this summer, where Manchester United are reportedly planning to spend a combined £60 million on Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, and suddenly, the pitchforks are out. Questions flood the headlines. Social media erupts. “Overpriced,” “panic buys,” “not United level”—the same criticisms recycled once again.

Why the double standard?

Cunha, currently at Wolves, is a lively forward with flair, versatility, and tenacity. At 25, he’s entering the best years of his career and has already shown flashes of brilliance in the Premier League. He may not be a household name yet, but there’s little doubt that under the right manager and in the right system, he could thrive.

Then there’s Bryan Mbeumo, a consistent performer for Brentford who stepped up remarkably in Ivan Toney’s absence. His pressing game, creativity, and goal contributions have turned heads. At 24, he fits the profile of the modern, hard-working wide forward that United badly need to complement their attack.

Yet still, pundits and fans alike question the move. “Is £60 million too much?” they ask. But where was that same energy when other clubs dished out massive fees for talent that was arguably on the same level or even less proven?

It’s no secret that United often pay the so-called “Manchester United tax” in the market. Selling clubs know they’re dealing with a giant, and prices get inflated. But what’s frustrating for many supporters is not just the cost—it’s the narrative that follows.

Every time United makes a move, the spotlight turns harsh and unforgiving. If the deal is cheap, it’s labeled “uninspired.” If the deal is expensive, it’s called “reckless.” There’s hardly any middle ground.

What fans want—what they need—is clarity, consistency, and fairness in the way United’s transfer business is judged. If £70 million for Solanke is acceptable, and £120 million for Caicedo is “just the market,” then £60 million for two solid Premier League performers should not trigger a meltdown.

Yes, Manchester United have made mistakes in the market. Nobody’s denying that. But clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal, and even City have also splashed the cash and not always got instant results. The difference is, they’re given time. United rarely are.

This current rebuild, under the new sporting leadership that includes figures like Jason Wilcox and possibly Dan Ashworth, is meant to change that. Smart signings like Cunha and Mbeumo might not be the flashiest, but they represent footballing intelligence and squad balance—two areas United have long lacked.

It’s not about defending overspending. It’s about applying the same lens across all top clubs. If market inflation is the norm, then United cannot be vilified for operating within those same conditions.

The truth is, if another club made these two signings at this price, the narrative might be about “smart depth” or “future-proofing the squad.” But because it’s United, it becomes a national debate.

At some point, fans, media, and neutrals alike have to ask themselves: Are we reacting to the player, or just the badge on the shirt?

So the next time headlines scream about United spending £60 million, remember: Spurs went to Bournemouth and spent £70 million on Solanke. Man City spent £100 million on Grealish. Arsenal spent £105 million on Rice. Chelsea dropped £120 million on Caicedo.

But somehow, Cunha and Mbeumo for £60 million is where people draw the line?