Man Utd Transfer Twist: Bryan Mbeumo Agreement Followed by Striker Enquiry

Just as Manchester United finally reached an agreement to sign Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo in a £71 million deal, AC Milan have made a surprise enquiry about Rasmus Hojlund, signaling a potential shake-up in Ruben Amorim’s front line. 

In what’s quickly becoming one of the most dramatic weeks of Manchester United’s summer window, the club has not only struck a breakthrough in their pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo, but they’re now fielding interest for one of their own forwards, Rasmus Hojlund. 

The £71 million deal for Mbeumo includes £65 million paid in instalments, with a further £6 million in performance-based bonuses. The Brentford star has already agreed personal terms and is expected to undergo his medical soon, setting the stage for a bold new attacking phase under new manager Ruben Amorim. 

But as the Red Devils prepared to welcome Mbeumo to Old Trafford, AC Milan submitted an enquiry for Hojlund, raising speculation about the 21-year-old’s future just one year after his big-money arrival. 

Mbeumo’s arrival comes alongside Matheus Cunha, who was already signed earlier in the window, and together they may form the core of Amorim’s re-engineered attack. That leaves Hojlund, who scored only 4 Premier League goals last season, in a vulnerable position. 

Italian outlet Sky Sports Italia reported that AC Milan have reached out to United to assess the possibility of bringing Hojlund back to Serie A. The Danish striker made his name at Atalanta before United splashed £70 million+ for him last summer. 

Hojlund struggled to deliver consistent performances in his debut campaign, and a return to Italy, especially to a striker-hungry Milan side, may offer him a clean slate. 

Milan, who finished eighth in Serie A and are without European football this season, are in desperate need of a new No. 9. Their top scorer, Christian Pulisic, netted 17 goals, but the departure of Tijjani Reijnders to Manchester City has left a gap in creativity and goal threat. 

With no striker signed yet and options dwindling, Milan see Hojlund as a prime candidate, and a player familiar with Italian football. 

United, on the other hand, would likely have to accept a financial loss if they were to sell Hojlund now. But with Amorim pushing a high-intensity, goal-focused system, and with Mbeumo and Cunha in the squad, a bold call might be coming. 

Speaking on the team’s attacking struggles last season, Amorim defended Hojlund’s performances but didn’t hide the fact that the team underdelivered: 

“I think if you look at the games, we have several players that miss big chances, not just Rasmus. Of course, Rasmus, the game is to score goals because he’s a striker, but it’s a team thing. Our team should score more goals.” 

He continued: “All the team needs to score more. You have opportunities with the midfielders and the striker. We need to improve as a team because if you don’t score goals in this league, it’s impossible to win games.” 

With United now focused on completing the Mbeumo deal, AC Milan’s interest in Hojlund could force the club into a crucial decision. Does Amorim stick with his expensive young striker? Or does he allow Milan to make a formal offer and move forward with his new forward line? 

As always, transfer windows at Old Trafford never fail to deliver drama, and this summer looks to be no exception.