Manchester United are unhappy with Brentford despite finally signing Bryan Mbeumo in a £71million deal following weeks of haggling.
United will pay a fixed fee of £65m with £6m in potential add-ons for Mbeumo who has agreed a five-year contract with the option of another year.
The 25-year-old Cameroon forward, who is now set to go on United’s pre-season tour to the US, said: ‘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.’
Mbeumo’s desire to move to Old Trafford helped United fight off rival interest from Tottenham, Arsenal and Newcastle.
The club are, though, understood to be upset with Brentford for dragging out the talks by raising their demand to £77m, and putting pressure on Mbeumo to lower his wages to get the United deal done or agree to join Spurs instead.
Brentford, on the other hand, are angry over what they saw as opening offers of £55m and £62.5m from United, which were significantly lower than Tottenham’s bid, while at the same time courting Mbeumo with better personal terms.
Manchester United have been left unhappy with Brentford over the handling of their £71m deal for Bryan Mbeumo
United confirmed the deal on Monday evening but have said Brentford raised their demands and tried to get Mbeumo to take a pay cut to pick up more money
Brentford, on the other hand, are angry over what they saw as opening offers of £55m and £62.5m from United
Despite the rancour, United are understood to be delighted to have secured their second big transfer target for the summer before leaving on tour after landing Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5m. Sources believe it offers further evidence of the club’s football-first policy paying off and United still being able to attract big names.
Mbeumo added: ‘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.’
There is relief at Old Trafford that they have finally captured a player who has averaged an impressive 18 goal contributions per season since Brentford’s promotion to the top-flight.
Jason Wilcox, United’s director of football, said: ‘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.’
