Man Utd have no-brainer transfer solution after strong Amad exit demand

Manchester United missing out on Bryan Mbeumo after chasing the Brentford forward across the last month would be a severe blow to Ruben Amorim's preparations for a crucial season. There is no sugar coating the fact that Amorim would have fully expected the 25-year-old to be among the players reporting for pre-season at Carrington on Monday.

That will not happen, despite United's best attempts. Two bids - totalling £45million plus £10m in add-ons and £55m with bonuses worth £7.5m - have not been enough to convince Brentford to sell.

A climax to this transfer saga is expected in the coming week, whether that is Mbeumo finally arriving in Manchester or United walking away.

While Mbeumo evading Amorim's grasp would be a bitter pill to swallow after the time committed to the pursuit, the Portuguese head coach already has a backup plan.

Amad is primed to play an important role next season after enjoying his breakout campaign in 2024/25, registering 11 goals and 10 assists in 28 starts.

Mbeumo's arrival after Matheus Cunha's £62.5m switch from Wolves would likely set the 22-year-old up for significant minutes at right-wing-back next term.

Should the Cameroon international stay at Brentford, though, Amad represents an attractive solution to partner Cunha as Amorim's two attacking midfielders.

United could then focus their transfer budget towards a new right wing-back or midfielder, two positions they reportedly plan to bolster after player sales.

The Red Devils' attempts to recruit Mbeumo after spending big to sign Cunha sparked suggestions that Amad's role going forward could be uncertain.

However, in June, former United striker Louis Saha passionately told Express Sport that keeping Amad happy had to be one of Amorim's priorities.

"Nooo! No! No! If there are one or two players who should not leave, it is him and Bruno Fernandes," Saha strongly explained.

"He is the kind of player who does not care where he plays. He has said it himself; he will play as a left-back or centre-back - he will just play."

A United team that features Mbeumo is undoubtedly stronger than one without him, and the M16 giants remain optimistic about completing a deal.

But should Brentford not play fair after a third official approach, Amad plus fresh blood at right-wing-back would not be a disastrous alternative route.