“Since we can’t sign Mbeumo we’ll just fall back to our backup striker prospect. We don’t have time to waste on him” – This is according to Ruben Amorim as Manchester United are reportedly back in contention to sign a £45 million-rated striker after their bid for Bryan Mbeumo was turned down. Does this not sound familiar 🧐😤 This is the same way we signed Holjund and Zirkzee
In a tense and rather telling press conference this morning, Manchester United boss Rúben Amorim didn’t hold back as he addressed the club’s failed pursuit of Brentford’s star forward Bryan Mbeumo — and his remarks immediately sparked a wave of déjà vu for the Old Trafford faithful.
After United’s formal bid for the £50 million-rated Cameroon international was swiftly rejected by Brentford earlier this week, Amorim appeared to hint that the club would now settle for one of their “backup options” in the market.
“Since we can’t sign Mbeumo, we’ll just fall back to our backup striker prospect. We don’t have time to waste on him,” Amorim bluntly told reporters, making it clear United wouldn’t drag out negotiations in what has already been a frustrating transfer window.
🧐 United Fans Spot a Pattern
Amorim’s comments struck a nerve with supporters, who were quick to point out how eerily similar this scenario feels to previous windows. Fans vividly recall how United, after chasing marquee forwards for weeks, eventually pivoted to Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee following failed moves for higher-profile targets.
The pattern seems to be repeating itself, with United identifying a top target, failing to land him, and then quickly turning to secondary options as time runs out. Many supporters took to social media after the press conference with sarcastic and frustrated reactions.
“Does this not sound familiar? 😤” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter).
“We’re about to sign another striker prospect for £45m that Amorim probably rated third-choice in his own notes.”
🔍 Who’s the £45m Backup Prospect?
Though Amorim refused to name the striker in question, reports circulating in England and Portugal this afternoon suggest that United have rekindled talks for a £45 million-rated frontman — believed to be one of the names previously listed on their scouting shortlist.
Names like Benjamin Šeško (though he recently committed to Leipzig), Serhou Guirassy, and Youssef En-Nesyri have been loosely linked in recent weeks, while insiders claim United are exploring a potential deal for an emerging talent from Ligue 1 or Serie A.
📝 Amorim’s Transfer Stance
Amorim, who’s overseeing a crucial rebuild at United, made it clear the club cannot afford to waste valuable preseason time on prolonged transfer sagas.
“We’ve made our priorities known, but if certain deals aren’t realistic, we move on. I’m here to prepare this team, not to get dragged into endless negotiations. The focus is on getting the right players in at the right time,” he added.
📉 Fans Divided
While some fans appreciate Amorim’s decisive approach, many fear United are once again settling in the market, risking another season of attacking inconsistency by bringing in “promising but unproven” strikers.
“We love the urgency, but we’ve seen this movie before,” a popular United fan account posted this morning.
With preseason fast approaching and United still without their marquee striker signing, the pressure is mounting on the board to deliver — or risk another frustrating transfer window that leaves supporters asking the same questions by September.
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🎙️ Final Word:
As things stand, Manchester United seem poised to activate their £45m Plan B striker pursuit in the coming days. Whether this “backup” turns out to be a Højlund-style hit or another case of rushed recruitment remains to be seen.