Manchester United officially announced the signing of Mbeumo for £71 million, who will wear the number 19 jersey! The reason for the one-and-a-half-month delay has been revealed.

On Monday, Manchester United announced that 25-year-old Mbeumo has officially joined the team, signing a 5+1 year contract, and he will wear the number 19 jersey. Brentford will receive a fixed transfer fee of £65 million in four installments, plus potential add-ons of £6 million. Mbeumo will travel with the team to the United States on Tuesday, making his debut as early as 7 AM on Sunday against West Ham United in the Premier League summer series.

On June 5, Manchester United made their initial offer of £55 million for Mbeumo, and it wasn't until July 21 that the deal was officially completed, taking a month and a half. The UK's Daily Mail reported that this was the result of negotiations between Manchester United and Brentford.

It is rumored that Manchester United was dissatisfied with Brentford's high demands, which at one point raised the transfer fee to £77 million (£70 million fixed plus £7 million in bonuses), and also requested Mbeumo to lower his salary expectations to help the Red Devils offer a higher transfer fee, or consider joining Tottenham or Newcastle United.

Meanwhile, Brentford was also angry with Manchester United, believing that the two fixed transfer fee offers of £45 million and £55 million were insulting, as the Red Devils paid a higher price for the older Cunha, who has fewer Premier League goals and assists, while being so stingy with Mbeumo, offering significantly lower than Tottenham, yet still offering Mbeumo a high salary.

Ultimately, both parties reached a compromise, with Manchester United offering the same price as Tottenham. Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS team is proud to have completed their second major transfer target, believing it demonstrates the management's football-first policy and that the Red Devils can still attract quality players.

Mbeumo confirmed that he has dreamed of joining Manchester United since childhood: "As soon as I knew there was an opportunity to join Manchester United, I decided I had to seize this chance to sign with the club of my dreams, the one I have supported since I was young. My mindset is to always be better than yesterday. I know I have the right mentality and character to reach another level here, to learn from Ruben Amorim, and to play alongside world-class players."

Regarding his goals at Manchester United, Mbeumo said: "Everyone has told me what the environment is like here and how exciting the future plans are. The club is a major powerhouse with an incredible stadium and amazing fans, and we are all very determined to challenge for the biggest trophies."

Statistics show that since following Brentford into the Premier League, Mbeumo has averaged 18 goal contributions per season. Last season, he peaked, scoring 20 goals and providing 8 assists in the Premier League, fully justifying the £71 million transfer fee. Manchester United is aware of this, which is why they chose to agree to the 'Bee Army's' asking price before starting their overseas training camp, allowing Mbeumo to fully participate in the preseason and integrate into the team.

Manchester United's sporting director, Jason Wilcox, who witnessed Mbeumo's signing, stated: "Bryan (Mbeumo) has an outstanding record of goals and assists in the Premier League, and his incredible consistency makes him one of the most efficient players in the league over the past three seasons. Bryan's confidence in our project and his determination to join the club prove that he is a perfect fit for Manchester United and the culture we are developing. We are thrilled to accomplish a major target before the preseason tour; Bryan and Ruben will have an excellent opportunity to collaborate in the United States, and we are ready for an exciting season."

British media reports that Mbeumo's £6 million performance-related add-ons include both team and individual targets, some of which are likely to be achieved, but others may be more challenging.