Manchester United beat competition to sign three in-demand players in the summer of 2025. Let’s explore who fell short.
Ahead of the transfer window there were some concerns about Manchester United’s spending power and attractiveness after a woeful 2024/25 season.
But these fears were misplaced, with Manchester United winning the race for Wolves forward Matheus Cunha, Brentford attacker Bryan Mbeumo, and RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.
All three had options to sign with other clubs, and chose to join Manchester United. Here is an overview of the opportunities the players turned down.
Matheus Cunha
- Clubs who wanted to sign Cunha: Newcastle United, Arsenal, Aston Villa
According to The Mail, Newcastle were Manchester United’s main competition for Matheus Cunha’s signature. But they were quickly deterred by the Brazilian’s clear desire to sign with the Red Devils.
United clinched a deal for Cunha at the start of June, with the exciting talent handed the number 10 shirt now vacated by Marcus Rashford.
Sky Sports reported in April that Arsenal and Aston Villa held ‘exploratory talks’ with Cunha’s representatives over a move.
Bryan Mbeumo
- Clubs who wanted to sign Mbeumo: Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Arsenal
Bryan Mbeumo was also wanted by Newcastle, who lost out when he signalled his intention to join Manchester United.
But this was not the end of the race. Tottenham Hotspur attempted to reunite him with Thomas Frank, and The Mail reported how Chelsea made a late attempt to hijack the deal.
The Athletic had reported in early June how Arsenal were considering Mbeumo, but he chose Manchester United as his favoured destination.
Benjamin Sesko
- Clubs who wanted to sign Sesko: Newcastle United, Arsenal, Al-Hilal
Manchester United engaged in a direct battle with Newcastle to win the race for Benjamin Sesko’s signature.
Newcastle actually offered a higher transfer fee than Manchester United to RB Leipzig, and it was still not enough.
Sesko’s agent even made a financial sacrifice in order to secure his client’s dream move to Old Trafford.
Arsenal had been interested in Sesko earlier in the window, but switched strategy to target the more experienced Viktor Gyokeres.
The Slovenian striker also rejected a lucrative pay offer from Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal, The Sun reported.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/Tv6rF54