Mbeumo reveals consultations with opposition managers before settling on Amorim’s Manchester United Vision
Brian Mbemo admitted to having spoken with many managers before committing to Manchester United, but ultimately determined that Reuben Amorim’s vision for the club was perfect for him.
The Cameroon Forward has arrived from Brentford in a deal that could reach £71 million, becoming United’s second biggest signature in the summer.
Amorim’s side was a longtime top runner for wolf striker Mateus Cunya, but Mbeumo’s pursuit wasn’t that easy as Newcastle United and Tottenham also worked so hard to keep him away from Old Trafford.
Despite offers that include Champions League football, the 25-year-old chose United for the project laid out to him by Amorim.
“I wanted to hear about their projects so I spoke to other managers and the manager at Manchester United was very good for me,” Mbeumo said.
“Manchester United is a big club, I think it’s a great opportunity. I chose a project. I think I’m a person who likes challenges. There’s a very good project in Manchester and I wanted to be a part of it.
“It was a very friendly conversation (with Amorim), a constructive conversation. He explained his project to me. He explained what he wanted to do and I really clicked on it.
“He said, ‘We’re people who like to win and want to be the best team.’ Of course, that’s what we’re going to do.”
The negotiations with Brentford proved long, and sources said it caused dissatisfaction at United.
The club believes Brentford is pushing Mbeumo towards the other Premier League sides, and frequently adjusting the asking price and creating a pulled process that lasted several weeks.
Looking back on that period, Mbeumo said:
“I was obviously on vacation so I just wanted to think about resting mentally and physically, and that’s what will happen. That’s going to happen. I trust people and I was sure it would happen.”
The forward signed in time to join the team on a pre-season US tour, but the later planned start of training meant he was still waiting for his first appearance in the red shirt.
He may have to wait a friendly person with Fiorentina of Old Trafford to make his debut a week before the Premier League begins.
While adjusting to life at United, Mbeumo spends his time bonding with his new teammates, looking for a chess partner while on the trip.
“We’ve been told that Josh (Zirkzee) will be playing, so we may need to play him and bring in a chess committee,” he said.
“Playing online is anonymous. You just have a username, choose a nickname, play random people online and use your own chess board.
“Chess, there are many ideas, even if it’s not physical.
“You have to think about it when you play soccer. Playing chess is a strategy game, so you can see some movements. Soccer also has strategy.
“There was a time when I was really, really into it.
“I was watching videos on YouTube where I was training on the app, and even in my brain I think it’s really, really good.
“You play soccer every day, so sometimes you don’t really have time to develop other skills. I like creativity and stuff.”