Bryan Mbeumo trains with his new Man United team-mates for the first time after finally completing £71m move from Brentford
Bryan Mbeumo has officially kicked off life as a Manchester United player – joining up with his new team-mates in training for the very first time following his £71million move from Brentford.
The Cameroon international was all smiles as he got stuck in at United’s Carrington training base, less than 24 hours after completing his long-awaited transfer from the west London club.
His arrival – a deal worth £65m plus £6m in add-ons – marks the latest chapter in United’s summer overhaul under Ruben Amorim.
Mbeumo, 25, took part in Tuesday’s morning session and will now join the squad on their pre-season tour of the United States, where he could make his unofficial debut in Sunday’s clash with West Ham in Chicago.
As United prepared to leave from Manchester Airport, Mbeumo was pictured sitting on the club jet alongside fellow countryman Andre Onana.
United beat off strong interest from Arsenal, Newcastle, and Tottenham – now managed by Mbeumo’s former boss Thomas Frank – to land the forward, who netted 20 league goals for Brentford last season.
Bryan Mbeumo joined his new Man United team-mates in training for the first time on Tuesday
The 25-year-old finally joined the Red Devils on Monday – for a £71million fee from Brentford
Mbeumo was all smiles as he took part in his first drills at United’s Carrington training ground
There was also talk of a late move from Chelsea, but Stamford Bridge sources insist a bid was never made.
Mail Sport understands that Mbeumo had his heart set on Old Trafford, insisting he would only leave Brentford for United after four impressive seasons.
Mbeumo said of his move: ‘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.’
Both Harry Maguire and Rasmus Hojlund welcomed Mbeumo with friendly pats on the back
Mbeumo’s first chance to impress in his new colours may come on Sunday against West Ham
Mbeumo sat next to fellow Cameroonian Andre Onana as United prepared to jet off from Manchester Airport to Chicago
Mbeumo will don the No 19 at United, having also worn it when he was at Brentford and Troyes
Mbeumo’s unveiling comes after fellow summer arrivals Matheus Cunha and teenage defender Diego Leon also linked up with the squad.
But with United needing to balance the books, Mbeumo may be the last signing of the window unless key players are sold.
Now that he is in the building, all eyes will be on him to hit the ground running, and finally inject some much-needed end product into United’s stuttering attack.
Last season, the Red Devils scored just 44 goals in the Premier League which was the second lowest of any non-relegated side – and a record low for the club since the division was rebranded back in 1992.
Mbeumo’s rise began in the youth ranks of Troyes before moving to Brentford in 2019 for £5.8m.
He notched up 70 goals in 242 appearances across all competitions for the capital club, 20 of those coming in the Premier League last season.
