Manchester United open Bryan Mbeumo talks as Ruben Amorim embraces rebuilding job

Dubai: Ruben Amorim believes Manchester United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League could offer the breathing space needed to rebuild the fallen giants — and he’s already moving fast, with Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo emerging as a top transfer target.

United finished 15th in the Premier League — their worst showing since 1974 — and then lost 1-0 to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final, missing out on a last-ditch lifeline to Europe’s premier competition.

But Amorim, speaking ahead of a friendly against a Southeast Asian XI in Kuala Lumpur, struck a hopeful tone.

“For us not to be in the Champions League could be an advantage to perform better, to prepare better for games, to build that core that we need for the future,” the Portuguese coach said in Kuala Lumpur, ahead of Wednesday’s friendly against a Southeast Asian XI, sparking laughter among members of the media.. “It’s a good thing for us to take advantage not to have European games.”

Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag during the season but was unable to engineer a turnaround. Now, with limited funds and expectations reset, the manager says the summer will be all about preparation — and patience.

“The target for now is to win the first game,” he said. “We have a lot to do during this summer. When you are Manchester United, people are going to expect us to be at the top. But we have to understand the context. I don’t want the team to think about a big target — just win the first game, then the second.”

United’s post-season tour of Malaysia and Hong Kong is expected to generate around $10 million (£7.8m), according to the BBC. Midfielder Mason Mount said the squad was “excited” to be in Malaysia, where high temperatures and thunderstorm forecasts await.

Meanwhile, United have opened talks with Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo, according to talkSPORT, with Amorim keen to add goals and pace to his front line.

Mbeumo, 25, enjoyed a breakout season with 20 Premier League goals and seven assists — finishing behind only Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland in the scoring charts. His form helped Brentford secure a 10th-place finish and has drawn interest from several top-flight clubs, including Newcastle.

With just one year remaining on his contract, Brentford may be forced to sell the Cameroon international to avoid losing him for free in 2026. The West London club reportedly value Mbeumo at around £50 million.

Mbeumo’s versatility and output make him an ideal fit for Amorim’s attacking setup, and United are understood to be pushing to complete the deal before pre-season begins.