There’s never really a quiet summer at Old Trafford, is there?
Whether it’s new signings, players leaving, or transfer sagas dragging into preseason, Manchester United are once again at the centre of football’s summer circus. But this time, there’s real movement both in and out.
Let’s break it down simply, from one football fan to another.
Greenwood’s Uncertain Future May Turn Into a Surprise Jackpot
So here’s the situation with Mason Greenwood. After rebuilding his career with Marseille last season, where he looked sharp in flashes, it now seems like things are breaking down behind the scenes.
Reports from Spain specifically Fichajes say Saudi side Al-Ahli have come in strong with a £60 million bid to sign him. Now, that’s huge not just for Greenwood or Marseille but for Manchester United too.
Why?
Because when United let him leave for Marseille earlier this year, they inserted a 50% sell-on clause.
That means if Marseille accept this Saudi bid, United are entitled to £30 million straight up without even lifting a finger. No negotiations, no hassle.
And for a club like United, trying to juggle Financial Fair Play rules while rebuilding their attack, that kind of sudden cash injection could change everything.
Trouble in Marseille
This deal might be moving faster than expected because things between Greenwood and Marseille have reportedly soured.
Spanish media claim there’s been some clashes with the coaching staff, and even some tension with teammates. It’s not public, but the whispers are strong enough to suggest his future in France is now uncertain.
Let’s be honest whether you back Greenwood or not, Marseille are a passionate club with little patience for internal drama.
If a £60 million offer is on the table from Al-Ahli, and Greenwood’s presence is now seen as divisive in the dressing room, they’re very likely to cash in.
It’s not a case of “if” anymore. It’s when.
Mbeumo Deal Looking Closer Every Day
While Greenwood’s situation is unfolding overseas, United are making concrete moves in England. The big name right now is Bryan Mbeumo.
Bryan Mbeumo is not the kind of player people are always talking about, but he has been reliable. At 25, he’s already shown he can perform well in the Premier League.
He scores goals, creates chances, and puts in the effort. For a team like Manchester United, who had problems in their Frontline last season, bringing in someone that has potential and hard-working as Mbeumo could really help improve things.
That’s exactly the type of reliable forward United could use right now, especially after how poor their attack was last season. The interest from United actually makes a lot of sense.
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, United are pushing hard to finalise the deal before preseason kicks off. There’s even talk of a third and final bid being submitted, following detailed negotiations with Brentford last week.
“United wanted Mbeumo done by the start of preseason,” Bailey told United In Focus. “The football department have done their part. Now it’s about getting the finances sorted.”
Insiders say Mbeumo is also keen to make the move and doesn’t want to return to Brentford for another season, even if the deal stalls.
That alone should give United fans hope.
Why Mbeumo Makes Sense
Now, let’s talk football not just transfers and fees. Mbeumo is not a glamorous name like Mbappé or Osimhen, but he’s exactly what United need right now.
Mbeumo had a good season last year, putting up 20 goals and 7 assists even though Brentford were struggling as a team. He’s fast, sharp on the ball, and can play in different position in the front line.
What stands out most is how hard he works on the ball. He presses constantly, which fits right into the kind of high-energy system Rúben Amorim wants to bring to United.
United lacked goals last season only four teams in the league scored fewer. They also lacked intensity in the final third. Mbeumo addresses both of those problems in one go.
And let’s not forget: Brentford don’t sell cheap. If they’re letting him go for somewhere around £60–65 million, that’s a serious endorsement of his value.
Amorim’s Rebuild is Starting to Take Shape
This is where it all starts to make sense.
United have already brought in Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5 million a striker who’s aggressive, full of energy, and isn’t afraid to take defenders on. If they manage to land Mbeumo too, they’ll have a front line that feels a lot more alive full of pace, movement, and unpredictability.
It’s the kind of attacking setup that could give defenders real problems and finally bring some spark back to United’s forward play. Something fans haven’t seen at United in years.
And that £30 million from Greenwood? If the Greenwood transfer goes through, that extra £30 million could really help. It would give Manchester United some financial space to make another signing possibly an attacking midfielder or a winger depending on who ends up leaving the squad over the next few weeks.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin as a Backup Option?
Some reports say United are also looking at Dominic Calvert-Lewin after he left Everton.
Since he’s a free agent now, bringing him in wouldn’t cost a transfer fee, which could make him a decent backup option. But fans are concern, some think he could be useful as backup, others worry he’s too injury-prone and hasn’t been consistent enough in recent seasons.
Some think he could be useful as a backup striker someone who knows the league and can chip in when needed. Others aren’t convinced, mainly because of his injury history and lack of consistency over the last couple of seasons. It’s one of those moves that would raise eyebrows either way.
Some see him as a decent squad option tall, strong, experienced, and available for free. Others argue his injury record and lack of consistent goals make it a risky move.
But if the Mbeumo deal drags or fails, don’t be surprised if United bring in Calvert-Lewin as a Plan B especially if Amorim wants depth for a long season ahead.
The Financial Reality Behind These Moves
It’s no secret United have been walking a tightrope financially.
Between years of mismanagement, bloated wages, and underperforming assets, there hasn’t been much wiggle room in recent summers.
That’s why the Greenwood windfall could be such a game-changer. Instead of selling players under value or taking shortcuts, United might finally have a chance to fund the moves Amorim wants without compromising.
A few weeks ago, there was even talk of needing to sell Antony, Sancho, or even Rashford to raise cash. Now, with Greenwood possibly gone and Mbeumo coming in, the pressure to offload has eased.
The Fans Are Watching Closely
One thing you can say about United fans they see through nonsense.
There’s cautious optimism about Mbeumo. Fans appreciate his work rate, his numbers, and his consistency. But some are still asking: is he a “United-level” signing?
That’s a fair question. He doesn’t have Champions League pedigree. He’s not a household name globally. But in terms of Premier League output, Mbeumo is right up there.
And maybe that’s the kind of transfer United need more of players who actually deliver, not just look good on Instagram.
Timing Is Everything
Preseason starts this week. Amorim wants his squad together early. He’s known for being strict on structure and training intensity. Having Mbeumo in by the first session could make a huge difference.
And let’s not ignore the psychological aspect: getting deals done early builds momentum, sets the tone, and shows players (and fans) that the club means business.
The Greenwood money could land in days. The Mbeumo deal could be finalised shortly after.
Suddenly, a slow summer is turning into a proper rebuild.
What Happens Next?
Here’s what fans should expect over the next week or so:
• Greenwood to Al-Ahli: If accepted, the deal could go through fast. Expect confirmation soon if Marseille decides to sell.
• Mbeumo to United: Final bid likely this week. Both clubs want it wrapped before preseason kicks off.
• More exits possible: Don’t be shocked if players like McTominay or Pellistri move on as Amorim trims the squad.
New midfielder rumors incoming: With some cash in hand, United may pivot to signing a young creative midfielder maybe even someone from Amorim’s old club, Sporting.
Real Progress or Same Old?
It’s too early to call this a perfect summer, but this feels different. There’s a bit more strategy, a bit more logic to what’s going on.
And that matters.
Because for too long, United have been throwing money around without thinking. But if they land Mbeumo, collect £30m from Greenwood, and keep building around Amorim’s football identity… then maybe, just maybe, the corner is being turned.
No need for fireworks. Just solid football decisions, finally.