Bryan Mbeumo will return to Brentford for the first time since his blockbuster move to Manchester United
Manchester United’s clash with Brentford on Saturday has been spiced up following the summer saga over Bryan Mbeumo. The lunchtime kick-off will see Mbeumo return to his former club for the first time since his contentious £65million move to United, which could potentially rise to £71m with add-ons.
Mbeumo finalised his transfer on July 21. However, the switch was marred by a dispute between the two clubs. United accused Brentford of inflating the forward’s price and pressuring him to reduce his wage demands to secure a larger transfer fee.
United insiders also alleged that Brentford tried to persuade Mbeumo to join Tottenham or Newcastle instead. However, the Cameroon international, a lifelong United supporter, insisted he would only move to Old Trafford and stood firm on his decision.
United had two offers turned down before finally securing Mbeumo on their third attempt. Old Trafford bosses were keen to express their disappointment with what they saw as Brentford’s underhanded negotiation tactics, as per the Manchester Evening News.
Mbeumo is likely to receive a warm welcome from Brentford fans upon his return. However, it remains to be seen whether the controversy surrounding his move to United will create a chilly atmosphere between officials from both clubs at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday.
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It’s no secret that United have had a tough time at Brentford’s home ground since the Bees earned their Premier League stripes in 2021, establishing themselves as a formidable top-tier team.
Despite securing a 3-1 victory during their first visit under temporary manager Ralf Rangnick, the win was overshadowed by United legend Cristiano Ronaldo’s infamous tantrum.
The following season saw Erik ten Hag’s United suffer a crushing 4-0 defeat in his second match at the helm, leading him to order his squad to report for a gruelling 14km training run the next day – the distance they were outpaced by Brentford.
In Ten Hag’s second trip to Brentford, it seemed a last-gasp goal from Mason Mount in the 96th minute would secure the win, only for Brentford to equalise in the 99th minute, resulting in a 1-1 draw.
Ruben Amorim’s initial visit to Brentford in May concluded with a narrow 4-3 loss. The United gaffer is hoping to turn the tables this Saturday by clinching back-to-back league victories for the first time since taking over, following last Saturday’s hard-won 2-1 success over Chelsea.
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
