Goldbridge: Seven weeks wasted as Man Utd finally pay full asking price

Manchester United’s protracted pursuit of Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo has finally reached a conclusion, but not before drawing sharp criticism from prominent voices within the club’s fanbase. On the latest episode of The United Stand Podcast, Mark Goldbridge articulated the frustration felt by many, declaring "Seven weeks wasted as Man Utd finally pay full asking price," a sentiment that encapsulates the club’s often-criticised approach to the transfer market.

The saga surrounding Mbeumo’s potential move to Old Trafford has been a familiar one for United supporters. For weeks, reports suggested a significant gap between Brentford’s valuation and United’s initial offers, leading to a frustrating stalemate. This hesitancy to meet an asking price early in the window is a recurring theme, frequently resulting in inflated fees or the loss of primary targets to more decisive competitors. Goldbridge’s exasperation stems from the perception that United, after prolonged negotiations and attempts to drive down the price, ultimately conceded to Brentford’s original demands. The delay not only ate into crucial pre-season preparation time but also potentially impacted the club's ability to pursue other targets with the same financial agility.