Bryan Mbeumo is set to wear a familiar squad number after completing his move to Manchester United.
On Monday, United confirmed a deal for the former Brentford forward which includes a fixed fee of £65m with £6m in potential add-ons. Mbeumo has signed until June 2030 with the option for the club to extend his contract by another 12 months.
United are understood to be delighted to have secured their second big transfer target for the summer after landing Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5m last month. 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, 25, made it clear that he only wanted to join United despite rival interest from Tottenham, Newcastle and Arsenal. There was also talk of a late move from Chelsea, but Stamford Bridge sources insist a bid was never made.
The Cameroonian has signed in time to join up with Ruben Amorim’s squad for their pre-season tour of the US and he could feature in their friendly against West Ham on Sunday.
And, if he does make it on to the pitch, the 25-year-old will be wearing the No 19 shirt.
Bryan Mbeumo will wear the No 19 shirt at Man United after joining the club from Brentford
Mbeumo previously wore the No 19 shirt during his six years in West London with the Bees
Mbeumo has signed a five-year deal at Old Trafford after joining for a fee that could reach £71m
Sharing the news of his squad number, United posted a photo of Mbeumo on social media with his back to the camera and added the caption: ‘New club, same number.’
Mbeumo became synonymous with the No 19 shirt at Brentford, while he also donned that number at Troyes, who were his previous club before he joined the Bees in 2019.
That number has a rich history at Old Trafford, with the likes of Raphael Varane, Dwight Yorke and Danny Welbeck among those to have worn the shirt.
Marcus Rashford and Amad Diallo also enjoyed stints with that number when they initially broke through into the first team.
Elsewhere, Mbeumo will be just the second Cameroonian to play for United after Eric Djemba Djemba, and in a neat touch the midfielder also wore the No 19 shirt.
Meanwhile, speaking after his move was announced, Mbeumo, who scored 20 Premier League goals last season, 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.
‘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.
United shared news of Mbeumo’s new number with a post that read: ‘New club, same number’
Former United defender Raphael Varane is among previous stars to have worn the No 19 shirt
‘This is a massive club, with an incredible stadium and amazing fans, we are all really determined to challenge for the biggest trophies.’
Jason Wilcox, United’s director of football, added: ‘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.’
