Man United reportedly remain ‘confident’ of signing £60million-rated Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo this summer, despite Tottenham’s interest following the appointment of Thomas Frank as head coach.
Mail Sport reported last week that Brentford had rejected a bid from the Red Devils for Mbeumo.
Man United face increased competition for the winger after Tottenham opened talks with the Bees last week.
Tottenham’s attempts to hijack a deal came after the appointment of Frank as their new head coach on a three-year deal.
The Dane had brought a teenage Mbeumo to Brentford from Troyes and over time nurtured him into one of the most exciting attacking talents in the Premier League.
Mbeumo offered a glowing assessment of Frank when questioned about his departure from Brentford to join Tottenham,
The forward expressed confidence Frank will prove a success at Tottenham, while he admitted speculation over his own future was a ‘new’ situation for him.
Man United reportedly believe they are ahead of Tottenham in the race to sign Bryan Mbeumo
‘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.
‘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.
