Lee Sharpe Tells Mbeumo There’s Only One Manchester United

With the football season now over (well, kind of), attention from fans and clubs has turned to the transfer window. Of course, you could argue it never really turned away, considering the currency and industry transfers have become in their own right.

As always, Manchester United find themselves front and centre of transfer speculation. More ins and outs are expected after the club signed Matheus Cunha on a five-year contract, with the option of a further year. We caught up with former Manchester United winger Lee Sharpe to discuss his hopes for United’s recruitment this summer.

The Bryan Mbeumo Transfer Conundrum

After securing the services of Matheus Cunha, United’s attention has shifted to Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, who now finds himself caught in the middle of a tug-of-war between United and Thomas Frank’s new club, Tottenham Hotspur.

Frank is eager to take the Cameroon international with him to Spurs, but the attacker is said to be leaning towards a move to United. Despite the lure of Champions League football and the comfort of a familiar manager at Spurs, Mbeumo is reportedly tempted by the prospect of helping restore a fallen giant to its former glories.

Sharpe believes that if Mbeumo becomes part of United’s resurgence and thrives, he’ll never look back.

“It will be a really tough decision for Mbeumo. To go to Tottenham, playing in the Champions League with the manager you have been playing under and trust you, knows your game and personality makes the transition a lot easier.”

“But there is only one Manchester United and the opportunity to play for Manchester United doesn’t come along many times in your career, and maybe even not at all.”

“I understand that Tottenham playing in Europe, might seem as a better option to him, with a manager he knows. But I think that if he can be a part of this rebuild and do well, he will never look back.”

Sharpe Questions If Sancho Is Cut Out For The Premier League

While United will look to bring Mbeumo in, they’ll also need to make room, both financially and in the squad.

Jadon Sancho saw his loan-to-permanent move to Chelsea unravel after the Blues paid a £5 million fee to void their obligation to buy. Sancho has had a tough time in England since his move to United in the summer of 2022, and that much is an understatement. His future at Old Trafford is all but over, and Sharpe has expressed disappointment at how things have played out for the England international.

“It’s been a shame with Jadon Sancho because he’s one of the players I would pay an entrance fee to go and watch. His footwork and ability to take people on is great. As a kid I would have wanted his name in the back of my shirt. I want to watch him dribble and beat players. On his day he’s awesome.”

“He just doesn't seem to be able to do it at a level in the Premier League and the pace the league is at. I think he is quick enough but I don’t know if likes dealing with the physicality. He can go past people like they are not even there and at times he just seems to take the easy option and pass it square.”

“With his ability he should be taking players on at every opportunity and I don’t think he does it enough. He’s unbelievably talented but doesn’t do it enough. Maybe Germany suits him more where teams don’t sit in as much and he has more time and space to beat players.”

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