Anticipation is building among Manchester United supporters as two significant summer signings, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, are poised to make their highly anticipated debuts against Everton in a crucial pre-season friendly. This match marks a pivotal moment for the Red Devils as they continue their preparations for the upcoming Premier League season, showcasing their new acquisitions.
Bryan Mbeumo, who joined the club for a substantial £71 million on the eve of United’s US tour, has been diligently catching up on his pre-season training. The Cameroon international missed previous Summer Series victories but is now set to feature in the final exhibition game at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, offering fans a first glimpse of his capabilities.
Fellow summer acquisition, Matheus Cunha, a £62.5 million signing, is also expected to line up alongside Mbeumo. Cunha had previously missed the 4-1 triumph over Bournemouth due to fatigue, highlighting the rigorous demands of pre-season and the club’s careful management of player fitness ahead of the demanding English football calendar.
Manchester United’s strategic approach to financial fair play (FFP) has been instrumental in facilitating these high-profile transfers. The club has effectively spread the cost of both the Mbeumo and Cunha deals over multiple installments, a method that allows them to remain within FFP regulations while still retaining sufficient funds to pursue a new striker, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko remaining a key target.
Further bolstering their financial flexibility, United has capitalized on various player movements. The loaning of Marcus Rashford to Barcelona, with the Spanish club covering his considerable £315,000-a-week wages, has saved over £12 million. Additionally, sell-on clauses from the transfers of Alvaro Carreras, Anthony Elanga, and Maxi Oyedele have generated an extra £20.7 million, alongside a £5 million penalty paid by Chelsea for not completing Jadon Sancho’s permanent transfer.
The club continues to navigate complex transfer sagas. There is strong interest from Borussia Dortmund and Juventus in acquiring Jadon Sancho, while Chelsea are reportedly leading the chase for Alejandro Garnacho, valued at approximately £40 million. Meanwhile, Antony and Tyrell Malacia have also been linked with moves away, potentially to Real Betis and Saudi Arabia, respectively.
These financial maneuvers and player departures could free up further resources for United to strengthen the squad in key areas. The team is still actively looking for a new striker, a central midfielder, and potentially a goalkeeper, especially after Andre Onana was sidelined from the tour games due to a hamstring injury. United had previously quoted Monaco £30 million for Onana and inquired about Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez and Paris Saint-Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma.
