Manchester United are back at it — and no, not just in the transfer market. They’re playing the old national team card once again.
This time, it’s goalkeeper Andre Onana who’s stepped in with some behind-the-scenes work to help lure Bryan Mbeumo to Old Trafford.
United are targeting the Brentford forward as a key attacking addition this summer. But there’s competition. Tottenham, led by new boss Thomas Frank (Mbeumo’s former manager at Brentford), are also pushing for a deal.
Still, the Red Devils are hopeful their secret weapon — Onana — can help get the job done.
Both players are teammates with Cameroon. And while they weren’t in the squad for the recent international break, their bond from previous camps seems to be playing its part.
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Onana playing transfer ‘sweeper keeper’ in Mbeumo transfer saga
Reports (via Manchester Evening News) suggest Onana “has advised” Mbeumo to pick United over Spurs.
It’s not the first time a United player has worked their charm on international duty — just ask Cristiano Ronaldo, who once helped talk players into signing during his Portugal camps.
While Onana's own United future isn't fully clear — he said, “Will I leave? I don’t know, we’ll see!” — the club is still counting on him for more than saves.
He has a strong relationship with new head coach Ruben Amorim, who is eager to add more firepower to the squad after a poor finish last season.
United have already had a £45 million bid rejected for Mbeumo, with Brentford holding out for more. The player, whose deal could stretch to 2027 with an extension, admitted during the Canadian Grand Prix: “It is a bit new for me, I would say! I think it can be the life of a footballer and you need to accept it.”
This one might still go to extra time, but United are pushing — and Onana might just get the assist.
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