Man Utd transfer latest: Six cheaper and better options than Mbeumo

by Mike Stephens

Friday, 18 July 2025 at 07:56

As Manchester United’s pursuit of Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo hits obstacles, the club’s recruitment staff are reportedly weighing up several alternative right-wingers who could offer both value and long-term upside.

Here’s a rundown of the six cheaper and potentially better options floated for United’s summer rebuild:

Ernest Nuamah (Lyon)

Profile: The 21-year-old Ghanaian, who previously starred at Nordsjaelland, has already secured two big-money moves—to Belgian club RWDM and then, after a loan, to Lyon for €28.5 million. Nuamah averaged 0.49 goal contributions per 90 minutes for Lyon last season, despite the team’s struggles. At Nordsjaelland, he racked up 25 goals and assists in 49 games.
Pros: With Lyon not in European competition and open to sales, Nuamah would likely be available for a fee far below Mbeumo’s £65m+ asking price, making him a smart value buy for United’s budget-conscious summer. He would probably cost around £15 million.
Cons: He remains relatively unproven at the highest level, but his pace, dribbling, and direct style suggest significant potential.

Yéremy Pino (Villarreal)

Profile: The 22-year-old Spaniard is a seasoned La Liga operator, with four seasons as a Villarreal regular and 15 caps for the national team. Pino registered an impressive 0.63 goal contributions per 90 minutes last season, showcasing his ability to both score and create.
Pros: Pino is already at the “rising star” stage, ready for a step up to a top club. His technique, work rate, and experience in a high-pressing system make him a natural fit for United’s tactical approach. He would cost around £30 million.
Cons: Villarreal have a history of driving hard bargains, but even at a premium, Pino would likely cost less than Mbeumo and offer more long-term upside.

Callum Hudson-Odoi (Nottingham Forest)

Profile: Former Chelsea winger rejuvenated his career at Forest, scoring and assisting regularly in the Premier League.
Pros: Proven in England, still only 24, and available for a fraction of Mbeumo’s fee, Hudson-Odoi offers pace, directness, and a point to prove.
Cons: Injury history is a concern, but his technical quality is undeniable.

Yankuba Minteh (Brighton)

Profile: The 20-year-old Gambian enjoyed a breakout season on loan at Brighton, terrorizing Premier League full-backs with his dribbling and end product.
Pros: Explosive, young, and already acclimatized to English football.
Cons: Brighton may want a hefty fee, but likely below Mbeumo’s valuation.

Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth)

Profile: The powerful, direct winger impressed with double-digit goal involvements for the Cherries last season.
Pros: Premier League-proven, physical, and still improving at 25.
Cons: Not as refined technically as Pino or Nuamah, but a reliable, affordable option.

Matías Soulé

Profile: 22-year-old Argentine, left-footed, formerly of Juventus, now starring at Roma. He would cost around £30 million.
Pros: Excellent dribbler, creative passer, proven in Serie A, high upside, adaptable across attacking positions.
Cons: Less experienced in England, but has thrived in a competitive league and is already attracting top European interest.

Why These Options Make Sense for United

Bryan Mbeumo’s saga has dragged on, with Brentford’s demands and payment structure complicating negotiations.

Ernest Nuamah and Yéremy Pino specifically stand out as players who could not only cost less than Mbeumo but also offer greater long-term value, given their age, development trajectory, and statistics.

Hudson-Odoi, Minteh, and Semenyo provide further depth and versatility, each bringing a different style to United’s right flank.

With Sir Jim Ratcliffe keen on value-driven signings and manager Ruben Amorim prioritizing pace and productivity in wide areas, these alternatives represent a shrewd pivot for United—addressing a key position without overpaying for a player whose best years may already be behind Mbeumo by the time his fee is amortized.

United’s right-wing rebuild is not solely about Mbeumo—there are credible, cost-effective, and potentially higher-ceiling options waiting in the wings this summer

MAN UTD DAILY VERDICT

Soulé appears the best option to go for instead of Mbeumo. He is a versatile forward, most comfortable on the right wing but equally effective as an attacking midfielder or second striker.

Standing 1.82 meters tall and naturally left-footed, he combines flair, dribbling, and creative passing with a growing knack for scoring decisive goals—including in high-pressure matches against Inter Milan and Lazio.

His style is characterized by an ability to beat defenders one-on-one, orchestrate attacks, and contribute in both goals and assists, making him a consistent offensive threat.