Man United Transfer Update: Latest on Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and More | OneFootball

Manchester United Make Moves: Mbeumo Signs as Rashford Departs on Loan

After weeks of speculation and stagnation, Manchester United have sprung into decisive action. According to The Athletic, the club have now sealed a £65 million deal for Bryan Mbeumo, with an additional £6 million in performance-related add-ons. The Brentford forward completed his medical and formalities at Carrington over the weekend and was officially unveiled on Monday.

Mbeumo’s arrival, following Matheus Cunha’s earlier transfer, marks a significant injection of attacking quality into Ruben Amorim’s squad. With both players costing United a combined £133.5 million, the clear message is that INEOS are ready to spend—but there is an underlying urgency to balance the books.

Rashford’s Shock Loan Exit to Barcelona

In one of the most surprising developments of the summer window, United have agreed to loan Marcus Rashford to Barcelona. The deal, first reported by The Athletic, will see United save on his wages completely for the season. “Sources close to the deal have told The Athletic that Rashford has initially taken a 25 per cent pay cut for the duration of the loan, before bonuses are taken into account.” Barcelona also have a €30 million option to make the move permanent.

This sudden move is understood to have been facilitated by a high-level summit in Iceland, where Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox met in person to push key negotiations forward.

Focus Now Turns to Exits and Squad Trim

With Mbeumo and Cunha secured, attention now turns to sales. The club are actively looking for buyers for Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia. All four are training away from the first team and are clearly not part of Amorim’s vision.

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That said, United are benefiting from well-placed sell-on clauses. Recent moves involving Alvaro Carreras, Anthony Elanga and Maxi Oyedele have brought in over £15 million collectively. The Athletic report that Oyedele’s switch to Strasbourg alone brought United £2.1 million, thanks to a 40% sell-on clause.

Striker Situation Remains Fluid

With Mbeumo and Cunha joining, speculation remains over Rasmus Hojlund’s future. As The Athletic report, “Spending significantly on a centre-forward would require Rasmus Hojlund leaving, and that possibility remains open.” Though United have long monitored Benjamin Sesko, high costs and wage demands make a move this summer unlikely.

There were also rumours linking the club to Viktor Gyokeres, but sources close to United dismissed those claims, asserting that no bid had been made and none would be.

Midfield and Goalkeeper Situations Developing

Manager Ruben Amorim wants reinforcements in midfield, but conversations remain in early stages. There is interest in bringing in another goalkeeper, though Andre Onana’s hamstring injury will not affect the process. He is expected to travel with the squad to Chicago and is targeting a return for the opening fixture against Arsenal.

United’s young left-back Harry Amass is also expected to leave on loan, with Championship and European clubs circling. The focus is on regular game time, rather than intermittent first-team appearances.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Manchester United fans, the feeling is bittersweet. Bryan Mbeumo is an undeniably talented and intelligent acquisition, capable of operating across the front line and contributing both goals and assists. But shipping Marcus Rashford out to Barcelona, even temporarily, is a difficult pill to swallow. He has been a symbol of the club for years.

His decision to take a pay cut and potentially leave permanently for just €30 million raises eyebrows. The underlying question is this: what happened to the club’s identity? Rashford, despite an erratic season, remains one of our most dangerous forwards. Sending him away while investing heavily in new players might feel pragmatic on paper, but emotionally it leaves fans cold.

Then there’s Rasmus Hojlund. After one difficult season, we are already discussing his departure. Amorim may have a vision, but it’s looking increasingly like a rebuild of identity as well as personnel.

Selling players like Garnacho and Sancho without giving them a fresh chance under Amorim also suggests ruthless overhauling, perhaps at the cost of stability. Garnacho especially showed glimpses of brilliance and fan connection.

The optimism over Mbeumo and Cunha is tempered by worry: are we still building a team, or just assembling expensive pieces?