Manchester United’s ideal £45m Mbeumo alternative as Brentford deal nears collapse – opinion

Manchester United’s search for attacking reinforcements continues to dominate the headlines this summer, with the club now being forced to pivot after negotiations for Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo have reportedly stalled. United had identified Mbeumo as a prime target for their wide-forward role in the upcoming 2025/26 season, but complications surrounding the player’s valuation and personal terms have brought talks to a frustrating standstill.

Now, with the £45 million Brentford deal teetering on the edge of collapse, attention at Old Trafford is quickly shifting to potential alternatives. One name rising rapidly to the top of Erik ten Hag’s shortlist is Dutch international Cody Gakpo, currently on the books at Liverpool. While a deal involving a rival club would be incredibly difficult, his profile represents a near-perfect alternative to Mbeumo, offering tactical versatility, Premier League pedigree, and untapped potential at the age of 26.

This article explores why Gakpo, or a player of his mold, may now represent the ideal £45 million solution for United’s right-wing conundrum — and how this summer’s transfer dominoes are likely to fall.

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Why Mbeumo Was the Perfect Fit — Until He Wasn’t

There is no denying that Bryan Mbeumo fit Manchester United’s criteria almost seamlessly. The 25-year-old Brentford winger enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2023/24 and continued to impress last season despite injury setbacks. His 9 goals and 7 assists in 27 Premier League appearances underscored his efficiency in the final third and his capacity to shoulder attacking responsibility, particularly during Ivan Toney’s absence.

United’s interest was logical. Mbeumo offers:

• Left-footed dynamism from the right flank, a long-standing issue in United’s squad.
• Tactical flexibility, capable of playing wide, centrally, or as a second striker.
• Premier League experience, removing the adaptation period needed for foreign signings.

However, Brentford’s demands reportedly rose to over £55 million, a fee United’s board viewed as excessive, particularly with other squad areas also needing reinforcement. Additionally, the player’s representatives have not agreed to the proposed wage structure. With the player entering the final two years of his contract, Brentford may hold out, but United are unwilling to play a drawn-out game.

Thus, United are now looking to a viable Plan B — and it may end up being a blessing in disguise.

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Why Cody Gakpo Could Be the Smartest Option

Let’s start with the obvious: Gakpo to Manchester United would be complicated. Liverpool and United rarely — if ever — do business. But with Liverpool’s attacking unit brimming with options (Luis Díaz, Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Darwin Núñez, and Ben Doak), Gakpo’s role under Arne Slot next season is uncertain.

Sources suggest Liverpool may be open to listening to offers in the region of £45 million, especially if they pursue another forward in this window. Gakpo has struggled with consistency since his move from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023, despite showing flashes of brilliance.

From United’s point of view, Gakpo offers:

• Size and physicality (6’2”), ideal for Premier League duels.
• Tactical versatility — he can play as a left winger, false nine, or attacking midfielder.
• Goal threat — he scored 11 goals in all competitions last season despite limited starts.
• Dutch connection with Erik ten Hag, who is well-acquainted with his style.

The familiarity between Ten Hag and Gakpo (who was linked with United before joining Liverpool) may provide a smoother transition than other options. Gakpo’s pressing ability and off-ball intelligence also make him a good fit for Ten Hag’s evolving tactical system.

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Other £45M Alternatives to Consider

If Liverpool prove too difficult to negotiate with, United have other strong alternatives for the £45 million budget they had earmarked for Mbeumo.

1. Michael Olise (Crystal Palace)

Olise was once viewed as a long-term solution for United’s right wing, but injuries and strong interest from Chelsea and Bayern Munich have clouded his market. Still, if he remains available for around £50 million and United can offer a clear starting role, he could be worth the extra investment.

• Left-footed creator, set-piece threat.
• Premier League proven.
• Strong end product (10 assists in 19 games last season).

2. Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao)

The Spanish international has caught the attention of several top clubs following his electric performances for Spain at Euro 2024. His release clause stands at €55 million, and he offers elite 1v1 dribbling and speed on the left, potentially allowing Rashford to be shifted centrally or to the right.

• High upside.
• Already used to playing against top-level defenders.
• Could be United’s answer to their lack of width and directness.

3. Pedro Neto (Wolves)

Despite concerns over injury history, Neto is Premier League-proven, dynamic on the counter, and reportedly available for around £40–45 million. If United are willing to take a slight risk, he could explode under a more attack-minded system.

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The Bigger Picture: Ten Hag’s Tactical Evolution

Ten Hag is entering his third full season with the Red Devils and is under pressure to deliver more consistent attacking football. United were the fourth-lowest scorers among the Premier League’s top 10 teams in 2024/25, with inconsistency from wide positions a key issue.

Jadon Sancho remains out of favor and likely to be sold. Antony has failed to deliver consistently and Garnacho, while promising, is still maturing. Mason Greenwood’s return is uncertain and controversial, and Facundo Pellistri may be moved on permanently this summer.

In this context, a new right-sided attacker is not just a luxury — it’s a necessity.

Ten Hag wants a player who:

• Can create width and isolate defenders 1v1.
• Has intelligent off-ball movement to combine with Bruno Fernandes.
• Provides a consistent end product — goals or assists.

Whether that’s Mbeumo, Gakpo, Olise, or Williams, United must resolve this issue early in the window to avoid another last-minute scramble.

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Financials: United Must Spend Wisely

United’s £150 million summer budget is being carefully divided across four priority positions: striker, right winger, central defender, and central midfielder. With funds already being earmarked for a striker (Joshua Zirkzee or Ivan Toney are top targets), and interest in Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite ongoing, the winger acquisition cannot be a £60–70 million affair.

A £45 million signing strikes the right balance — significant enough to impact the squad, but within budget constraints.

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Brentford’s Stance: Holding Firm on Mbeumo

Back at Brentford, the situation is also becoming more complex. The club has no urgency to sell, especially given Mbeumo’s role as vice-captain and his status as a leader in the dressing room. While the player is open to a bigger move, he is not agitating for a transfer, giving Brentford the upper hand in negotiations.

Sources indicate Brentford want closer to £60 million, and unless United or another club meets that valuation, they are prepared to keep him for another season.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank commented last week:

“Bryan is an important part of our future. We know the interest is there, but unless something really significant happens, he’ll be with us come August.”

This signals that United must either return with a substantially higher bid or move on.

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Fan Reaction: Disappointment, but Hope for Better Value

Manchester United fans, always alert to the club’s transfer dealings, have expressed mixed feelings about the Mbeumo deal breaking down. While some see it as a missed opportunity, others argue that £55–60 million is far too steep.

Here’s a sampling of fan sentiment from social media:

“Mbeumo is quality, but £60m? No thanks. Let’s get someone younger and with a higher ceiling.”
“If we get Gakpo for less than £50m, it’s daylight robbery. Ten Hag knows how to use him better than Klopp ever did.”
“Why are we always haggling in July and panicking in August? Just pick a target and get it done.”

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Conclusion: Pivoting to Gakpo or Better May Be a Blessing in Disguise

In the ruthless world of Premier League transfers, missed opportunities can often open the door to smarter investments. While Bryan Mbeumo would have offered Manchester United a ready-made, Premier League-proven solution, the escalating price tag and slow-moving negotiations have prompted a necessary rethink.

Cody Gakpo — or someone of his caliber — could represent not only better value but a more tactically flexible addition for Erik ten Hag’s evolving system. With several viable options on the table and time still on United’s side, the collapse of the Mbeumo deal may ultimately push the club toward a signing that fits even better.

Now, the onus is on United’s board to act — decisively, creatively, and with the future in mind.