One Manchester United star has played a major role in Bryan Mbuemo preferring a move to Old Trafford rather joining Tottenham.
United are reportedly still ‘confident’ about securing the signing of £60million-rated Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo this summer, even with Tottenham’s interest following the appointment of Thomas Frank as head coach.
Mail Sport reported last week that Brentford had rejected a £55million bid from the Red Devils for Mbeumo.
However, his preference remains United with one of his Cameroon team-mates having continued to encourage him to make the move.
That man is goalkeeper Andre Onana, who is expected to remain at the club despite a difficult campaign.
Man United reportedly believe they are ahead of Tottenham in the race to sign Bryan Mbeumo
One Red Devils player has been playing a major role in convincing Mbuemo to join
Tottenham’s attempts to hijack a deal came after the appointment of Frank as their new head coach on a three-year deal.
The Danish coach had previously brought a teenage Mbeumo to Brentford from Troyes and has since developed him into an exciting attacking talent in the Premier League.
Mbeumo offered a glowing assessment of Frank and his influence on him when on the F1 gridwalk at the Canadian Grand Prix.
The forward has expressed confidence that Frank will succeed at Tottenham, while admitting that the speculation surrounding his own future is a ‘new’ scenario for him.
‘It is a bit new for me I would say, I think it can be the life of a footballer and you need to accept it,’ Mbeumo told Sky Sports.
‘He’s [Frank] done so much for me, he literally trusted me from the start.
‘He developed me as a human and a player as well. So I can only wish him all the best, and I’m sure he’s going to do well.
‘He’s really smart. He knows where he wants to bring the team, how he wants to play. I think he’s been fantastic for Brentford.
‘I think he’s going to have some time to adapt, obviously. [Champions League] games, more expectations, as you said, but I’m sure he’s going to do well.
Andre Onana has reportedly attempted to encourage his international team-mate to join
It comes despite Mbeumo speaking glowingly about new Tottenham boss Thomas Frank
Mbeumo has emerged as a Premier League star under Frank’s management at Brentford
Man United are seeking to heavily strengthen Ruben Amorim’s squad for next season
‘He knows how to talk to people, he knows how to build a group, and that’s why we’ve been playing so well.’
Despite Mbeumo’s endorsement of Frank, the Manchester Evening News reported that Man United remain confident of beating Tottenham to the signing of the Cameroon star.
The report claims the Red Devils believe they can secure his signing with Mbeumo having told confidants he only wants to join Man United, despite the potential to reunite with Frank at Tottenham and play Champions League football.
Since joining for a £5.8m transfer fee, Mbeumo has scored 70 goals in 242 games for Brentford, including 42 in 136 Premier League matches.
Mbeumo thrived following the departure of Ivan Toney last summer, with the forward enjoying his best Premier League campaign to date.
The 25-year-old scored 20 goals and provided eight assists in the top flight last season.
Mbeumo would provide Man United with much needed firepower after Ruben Amorim’s side scored just 44 goals in the Premier League last season, the second lowest of any non-relegated side.
Man United have already signed Matheus Cunha from Wolves in a £62.5m deal as they look to reshape their attack.
