nightmare summer for Utd – Bryan Mbeumo completes Spurs transfer as three sales collapse
If the release of the 2025/26 Premier League fixtures wasn’t already enough to send shockwaves through the corridors of Old Trafford, then nothing else will. Manchester United’s start to the new season is nothing short of brutal — with clashes against Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City lined up within the first five matches. In a campaign where domestic success is absolutely vital, the Red Devils cannot afford to stumble out of the gates. A sluggish start could prove disastrous, both in terms of results and morale.
The club has acted swiftly on one front, bringing in Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers in a deal worth £62.5 million. The Brazilian forward provides an immediate boost to the attacking options under new manager Ruben Amorim. But one signing won’t be nearly enough if United are serious about turning things around after a deeply underwhelming previous campaign.
Earlier in the week, attention turned to what an ideal transfer window would look like for United. Now, it’s time to confront a harsher reality — what happens if things go wrong. What if Amorim is forced to watch his summer plans unravel? Here’s what his nightmare scenario could look like.
Bryan Mbeumo Chooses Tottenham Over United
Bryan Mbeumo has emerged as a major priority following Cunha’s arrival, with Manchester United reportedly making the Brentford attacker their next big target. The 25-year-old Cameroon international is believed to be interested in a move to Old Trafford, seeing the club as a logical next step in his career. United even tabled a substantial bid — £45 million plus £10 million in add-ons — but Brentford held firm, demanding a minimum of £60 million to part with one of their prized assets.
Despite optimism that United would return with an improved offer, complications have now arisen. Tottenham Hotspur, now under the leadership of former Brentford manager Thomas Frank, have entered the race. Mbeumo is reportedly intrigued by the opportunity to reunite with Frank at Spurs, especially with Champions League football on offer after Tottenham’s recent triumph over United in the Europa League final.
Losing out on Mbeumo to a direct rival — particularly one who just dealt United a bitter European blow — would be a catastrophic development. It would not only weaken United’s transfer strategy but also reinforce the perception that the club is no longer the top destination for ambitious, in-demand players.
Stalled Sales Could Derail United’s Recruitment Plans
Equally alarming for Amorim is the lack of progress in trimming down the bloated squad. Manchester United’s financial flexibility is limited following their failure to secure European qualification, meaning player sales are essential to fund further reinforcements.
High-profile exits are on the agenda, with the club reportedly willing to offload Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Jadon Sancho — all of whom spent time away from the squad or underwhelmed last season. But offloading them is proving more difficult than anticipated. Their hefty wage demands have reportedly scared off potential suitors, leaving United with few viable options.
If the club cannot find buyers for these three underperforming stars, Amorim may be stuck with players he does not want to integrate into his tactical plans. That scenario would prevent him from reshaping the team in his own image and could lead to a continuation of the same problems that plagued the previous season.
Amorim Forced to Stick with Andre Onana
The goalkeeping situation remains another source of concern. Andre Onana’s spell at United has been marred by inconsistency, high-profile errors, and growing frustration from supporters. While a more reliable and composed presence between the posts would be ideal, signs increasingly suggest that United are preparing to keep faith in the 29-year-old Cameroonian for at least one more season.
Although Onana arrived with a strong reputation from his time at Inter Milan, his performances in Manchester have done little to inspire confidence. Unfortunately for Amorim, the cost and logistics of replacing him — especially with other priorities to address — may mean settling for what they have.
Choosing to stick with Onana could come back to haunt United if the goalkeeper continues to struggle under pressure. In a season where the margin for error will be razor-thin, especially against top-six opposition, a single mistake in goal could make all the difference.
Conclusion
Manchester United’s summer transfer strategy is at a critical juncture. The early fixtures offer no room for error, and if Ruben Amorim is to make a successful transition into Premier League management, he must be backed decisively in the transfer market. However, if key targets slip away, sales stall, and fragile positions remain unaddressed, United could be staring down the barrel of another lost season — before it even begins. The time to act is now. The cost of failure could be severe.