Newly signed Manchester United winger Bryan Mbeumo has expressed his excitement about teaming up with club captain Bruno Fernandes, following his high-profile transfer from Brentford. The 25-year-old Cameroon international joined the Red Devils last week in a £65 million ($87 million) deal, with an additional £6 million in performance-related add-ons, signing a five-year contract at Old Trafford.
Mbeumo’s arrival marks United’s third acquisition of the summer transfer window, following the earlier signings of Wolves forward Matheus Cunha and Paraguayan left-back Diego Leon from Cerro Porteño. Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Mbeumo singled out Fernandes as the player he is most looking forward to partnering with on the pitch.
“Everyone sees in the past years, he can shoot, he can cross, he can do crazy ball,” Mbeumo said. “Yeah, for a striker, you just enjoy that.”
Mbeumo, who enjoyed a standout 2024/25 Premier League season with Brentford, netting 20 goals and providing 7 assists, is expected to bring pace, creativity, and finishing power to United’s forward line. He hopes to strike up a seamless understanding with Fernandes, who remains a central figure at the club after rejecting a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia earlier this summer.
“On the pitch, when you’re smart like he is, I think you don’t even need to think a lot,” Mbeumo added. “You just need to make the run and he’s going to play you in the right space every time.
“But of course, you can have a little discussion to make him know how I prefer the balls and how I’m feeling the best to have the ball. But at a certain point, there is only one way, even if it’s not the one you like, you have to do the run and he’s going to put the ball in a good position.”
Mbeumo’s versatility and work ethic were key factors in his success at Brentford, and United manager Erik ten Hag is reportedly keen to use him in multiple attacking roles. The Cameroonian’s addition is seen as part of a wider squad overhaul, aimed at revitalizing the club after an underwhelming campaign last season.
Manchester United are currently in the United States for their summer tour, gearing up for their Premier League opener against Arsenal on August 17. During the tour, Mbeumo is expected to make his unofficial debut and begin forging on-field chemistry with Fernandes and other attacking players.
Meanwhile, United continue to be linked with further reinforcements up front, including Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško. Mbeumo had high praise for his former Brentford teammate Watkins, calling him the “complete striker.”
“He’s like a complete striker. He can do a lot of things,” Mbeumo said.
With the new season fast approaching, the excitement surrounding Mbeumo’s arrival is palpable among fans and pundits alike. The winger will be under pressure to hit the ground running as United aim to return to title contention and secure Champions League qualification.
Written By Rodney Mbua
