Manchester United have finally agreed a deal with Brentford for Bryan Mbeumo.
After weeks of negotiations, the two clubs have reached an agreement worth £65 million plus £6 million in add-ons.
Mbeumo is expected to undergo his medical this weekend, becoming United’s second high-profile attacking signing of the summer following the arrival of Matheus Cunha.
Last season, Manchester United scored the fifth-fewest goals in the Premier League, managing fewer than all but Everton and the three relegated clubs.
Although several areas need addressing, improving the attack remains a top priority ahead of the new campaign.
United’s pre-season is now underway, with their first fixture scheduled for Saturday against Leeds.
With a busy summer still ahead, the club are pushing to sign a new striker – but if one doesn’t arrive in time, how could the front three look on opening day?
And what are the alternative attacking options Ruben Amorim could turn to?
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Recruiting a New Number 9
Following the agreement with Brentford for Bryan Mbeumo, Manchester United have now turned their attention to securing a new number 9.
Having already likely missed out on both Viktor Gyokeres and Hugo Ekitike, the club are targeting a striker with a similar profile.
New manager Ruben Amorim is said to be clear in what he wants.
He’s looking for a forward who can run the channels effectively, helping United maximise width without relying on traditional wingers.
Just as importantly, he wants a striker who can hold the ball up, bring others into play, and – crucially, score goals consistently.
Two names currently linked with United fit this description.
Benjamin Sesko, recently mentioned as a target, is still raw but possesses all the physical tools.
He’s fast, strong in the air, and comfortable playing on the shoulder of defenders.
While he’s not yet a prolific finisher, Amorim may see him as a long-term project who can flourish in his system.
Ollie Watkins, also reportedly a top target, offers a more ready-made solution.
Premier League-proven and coming off a strong season with Aston Villa, Watkins combines pace, power, hold-up play, and consistent goal output.
On paper, he looks like a guaranteed success under Amorim’s approach.
However, there’s no certainty that either will be signed – especially given financial constraints.
As a result, Manchester United and Amorim may need to look at in-house solutions if a striker doesn’t arrive before the start of the season.
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Joshua Zirkzee as a False 9
If United fail to bring in a new striker before the season starts, one internal option could be Joshua Zirkzee in a false nine role.
While Ruben Amorim views him more as a number 10, Zirkzee could be deployed centrally, flanked by Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo in freer attacking roles.
Zirkzee’s technical ability and composure in tight spaces make him well-suited to dropping into pockets of space between the lines.
In doing so, he could link play and help facilitate the movement of Cunha and Mbeumo.
His presence would also give United the option to go direct – drawing in defenders and creating space in behind for runners.
His skillset offers a compelling short-term solution and one Amorim is likely considering if no traditional number nine is signed.
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Matheus Cunha or Bryan Mbeumo?
Although Matheus Cunha is expected to play in the left-sided No.10 role and Bryan Mbeumo on the right, both players are capable of operating as a central striker.
While this wouldn’t necessarily maximise their individual strengths, it could be a useful option for Ruben Amorim to get his best attackers on the pitch at the same time.
This tactical flexibility may also help Amorim resolve his current midfield dilemma.
With Mbeumo and Cunha occupying the advanced roles, Bruno Fernandes would likely drop into a deeper position in the midfield pivot.
However, this could come at the cost of Kobbie Mainoo, who would be pushed to the bench in favour of a more defensive partner such as Casemiro or Manuel Ugarte.
Mainoo, a Carrington graduate and one of United’s brightest talents, needs to play a central role next season.
Shifting Bruno Fernandes back into his natural No.10 role – by using either Cunha or Mbeumo as a false nine, would open a spot in midfield for Mainoo to operate in his preferred central position.
It may not be ideal, but both Cunha and Mbeumo have experience leading the line and could offer a more fluid, interchangeable front three – a system Amorim may well turn to if no traditional striker arrives.
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