In a stunning twist to Manchester United's managerial saga, the club's pursuit of Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim has hit a significant roadblock, forcing a dramatic re-think of their summer plans.
The Mirror can reveal that Amorim's specific and costly demands have prompted the Old Trafford hierarchy to explore a sensational alternative strategy: a double raid on Brentford for striker Ivan Toney and winger Bryan Mbeumo, should they part ways with current manager Erik ten Hag.
Amorim's Demands Force United U-Turn
Ruben Amorim, the highly sought-after Portuguese coach, was initially a prime target to potentially replace Ten Hag. However, negotiations have stalled over his insistence on bringing his entire backroom staff from Sporting CP and securing a colossal transfer war chest, demands that have given the Glazers and new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe serious pause for thought.
This impasse has forced the United board to widen their net considerably, looking beyond a simple managerial change to a more holistic squad overhaul.
The Brentford Blueprint: Toney and Mbeumo in Sight
With Amorim's arrival now in serious doubt, attention has sharply turned to the Bees' duo of Ivan Toney and Bryan Mbeumo. The club sees the pair as ideal, proven Premier League talents who could instantly bolster a struggling attack.
Ivan Toney, despite his recent return from a betting suspension, has reaffirmed his status as one of the league's most clinical marksmen. His physical presence and goal-scoring prowess are seen as the perfect remedy for United's inconsistent frontline.
Alongside him, Bryan Mbeumo has emerged as a key target. The Cameroon international's versatility, blistering pace, and improved end product this season have made him one of the most effective wingers outside the traditional 'top six'. His acquisition would add much-needed dynamism and goal threat from wide areas.
Ten Hag's Fate Hangs in the Balance
The future of incumbent manager Erik ten Hag remains precariously balanced. While a strong finish to the season, culminating in a potential FA Cup victory, could yet save his job, the exploration of these alternatives signals a clear lack of full confidence from the INEOS-led football operations team.
The club is meticulously drawing up contingency plans, and the Brentford option represents a potentially more cost-effective and lower-risk strategy than meeting Amorim's steep asking price, both in terms of staff and transfer funds.
This developing story suggests a summer of seismic change at Old Trafford is increasingly likely, with a new manager and a new-look attack firmly on the agenda.
