Manchester United’s Bryan Mbeumo transfer sparks debate: Will £65m signing push Rasmus Hojlund to new heights or force another striker search?

Manchester United’s acquisition of Bryan Mbeumo for £65m has ignited a fierce debate among fans and analysts alike. While the Cameroon international brings proven Premier League pedigree, questions remain about Rasmus Hojlund’s role in Amorim’s system.

Can the young Dane thrive alongside Mbeumo, or will United be forced back into the transfer market for another striker? The signing addresses United’s pressing need for attacking firepower, but at what cost to their existing forward line?

With Cunha also arriving this summer, United’s attacking options appear transformed – yet the balance between established stars and emerging talent remains delicate.

How Will Bryan Mbeumo’s Arrival Impact Rasmus Hojlund’s Starting Spot?

Manchester United’s £65m acquisition of Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford raises immediate questions about Rasmus Hojlund’s role in Ruben Amorim’s system. The Cameroonian international’s Premier League-proven scoring ability (20 goals last season) positions him as a likely first-choice forward.

Hojlund, United’s £72m signing from Atalanta last summer, showed flashes of brilliance but struggled with inconsistent form. The Danish striker netted 14 goals across all competitions – respectable but not exceptional for a club with United’s aspirations.

Both players offer different qualities – Mbeumo excels in wide areas and link-up play while Hojlund is more of a traditional center-forward. Amorim could potentially use them together in a 4-4-2 or deploy Mbeumo as an inverted winger in his preferred 3-4-3 formation.

The key will be how Amorim manages these two talented forwards. Mbeumo’s arrival shouldn’t be seen as a replacement but as competition that could elevate Hojlund’s game.

But £65m signings don’t sit on the bench! If Hojlund doesn’t hit the ground running, he might find himself warming the pine more often than he’d like.

Potential Formations Featuring Both Strikers

Will Manchester United Still Need to Sign Another Striker This Summer?

Despite the Mbeumo signing, United’s striker situation remains precarious. Behind Hojlund and Mbeumo, the options thin out considerably with Anthony Martial’s departure and Marcus Rashford preferring the left wing.

The club has been linked with several center-forwards this summer including Joshua Zirkzee and Ivan Toney. While Mbeumo can play centrally, he’s primarily been deployed on the right flank throughout his career. This leaves United potentially one injury away from a crisis up front.

Financial Fair Play considerations might limit further big-money moves, but Amorim may push for a younger, developmental striker to provide depth. The Portuguese manager has historically favored systems with multiple attacking options.

United’s transfer strategy should focus on a rotational striker – someone experienced but content with limited minutes. The days of splashing £50m+ on bench players should be over.

What about promoting from the academy? We’ve got some hungry young forwards who’d jump at the chance to prove themselves.

Which Shirt Number Will Bryan Mbeumo Wear at Manchester United?

With United’s storied history, shirt numbers carry significant weight. Several high-profile options could be available to Mbeumo:

• #7 – The iconic number currently vacant after Mason Mount’s departure
• #11 – Worn previously by wingers like Giggs and Greenwood
• #19 – His current Brentford number
• #21 – Previously worn by Edinson Cavani

The #7 jersey carries enormous expectations at Old Trafford, with recent wearers like Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, and Eric Cantona setting impossibly high standards. Mbeumo might prefer avoiding that pressure initially.

I’d advise him to take #21 – keeps him connected to his roots without the baggage of more famous numbers. Prove yourself first, then ask for #7.

But imagine the statement if he takes #7 and thrives! That’s the United way – embrace the pressure and become a legend.

How Does Mbeumo’s Wage Compare to United’s Current Forwards?

Reports suggest Mbeumo will earn around £180,000 per week at United, placing him among the club’s top earners but below stars like Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford.

Here’s how United’s attacking wages reportedly stack up:

This wage structure could create dressing room dynamics worth monitoring. Hojlund earning significantly less than the new arrival might need careful management from Amorim.

United have finally started getting wages under control. Mbeumo’s salary reflects his proven PL quality without breaking their revised structure.

But if Hojlund outperforms him this season, he’ll rightfully demand parity. The club can’t afford another Sanchez/De Gea wage imbalance.

Can Mbeumo Replicate His Brentford Form at a Big Club?

History shows that forwards thriving at mid-table clubs don’t always translate that success to elite teams. Recent examples include:

• Wilfried Zaha’s struggles at Manchester United
• Andriy Shevchenko’s difficult Chelsea spell
• Donny van de Beek failing to adapt

However, there are success stories too – Mo Salah at Liverpool being the prime example. Mbeumo shares some attributes with Salah – pace, directness, and improving finishing.

The Cameroonian’s underlying stats suggest his Brentford form wasn’t a fluke:

• 3.2 shots per 90 minutes (top 10% among PL forwards)
• 1.7 key passes per game
• 55% dribble success rate

The system will be crucial. At Brentford he was the main man – at United he’ll need to adapt to being one weapon among many. His football IQ suggests he can.

I’m worried about the pressure though. Missing a chance at Brentford is forgotten quickly – at United it’s backpage news for weeks.

Who Makes Way in United’s Attack After Mbeumo’s Arrival?

The £65m signing inevitably pushes others down the pecking order. Likely casualties include:

Jadon Sancho

After his public falling out with Ten Hag last season and mediocre loan spell, Sancho’s days appear numbered. United will likely accept a significant loss on their £73m investment.

Antony

The Brazilian has failed to justify his £86m price tag. While Amorim might give him a clean slate, Mbeumo’s arrival as a right-sided forward severely limits his opportunities.

Facundo Pellistri

The Uruguayan youngster deserves more minutes but may need to leave permanently to fulfill his potential. A loan move seems inevitable.

This is the ruthless rebuild United needed. Keeping underperformers blocks progress – Amorim appears willing to make tough calls.

But what about squad depth? If we sell Sancho, Antony AND Pellistri, we’re left with just Garnacho as right-wing backup.