The latest episode of the Devils' Advocate podcast has landed.
BBC Radio Manchester's Gaz Drinkwater and Joe McGrath discuss the most iconic goals at Old Trafford and Alejandro Garnacho's social media post.
Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds
Image source, Getty ImagesWith Manchester United having submitted an improved offer for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, we asked both sets of fans on our club pages how much they thought he was worth.
Here are some of your comments:
Brentford fans
George: Nothing less than £80m. The reason why is simple - the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United have shovelled out far, far more for players who are far, far worse. While he is at his most effective alongside strike-partner Yoane Wissa, only Mohamed Salah is more deadly when cutting onto his left foot at the edge of the box.
Brian: £60m might be the lowest option, but I think £40m-50m would be closer to his price. He's had a good season but I think he's never going to do it again. He's a good player but not a great one - take the money and run.
Vince: More than £60m compared with other market deals. He's a talented forward who runs and works so hard for the team. He has a brilliant temperament and doesn't see red mist and get sent off like Matheus Cunha. He has one year left with a further one-year option on his contract.
HerzyBee: Mbeumo's overall contribution puts him in the top five for most relevant stats for a striker - he works incredibly hard and defends well, and scored 20 goals - five more than £62.5m Cunha. Pay up, United.
Man Utd fans
Barry: Leave it at £60m and if they say no then walk away. We have fallen into this trap lots of times and we pay far too much just for flops.
Tony: He's a slightly-better-than-average player worth about the £50m mark. Then, as with every other player United are interested in, the selling clubs apply an erroneous 'United tax', increasing a player's value by about 20%. The £50m player suddenly becomes a £60m player.
Jacob: For a man who has scored 20 goals in the best league in the world, £60m would be a steal. Anything there or thereabouts would be a good deal on United's part.
Chris: Proven in the Premier League makes him worth £60m, but having just one big-return season so far makes any more a risk. Also, he is out for critical period at Africa Cup of Nations - potentially a month.
Matthew: I feel £60m is more than enough for Mbeumo. He's brilliant for Brentford, but part of me feels he got a little lucky last season and scored more goals than he should have (20 goals from 12.3 xG). It may be another case of a player underperforming at United compared with their old club.
What did the top three results of our polls say?
Bees fans: £60m-70m - 42%; £70m-80m - 23%; £60m - 18%
United fans: £60m - 54%; £60m-70m - 27%; Wouldn't buy him - 16%
Image source, Getty ImagesBryan Mbeumo would "fit exactly what Ruben Amorim wants as a player" if he joins Manchester United, says the forward's coach at Troyes, Rui Almeida.
The 25-year-old began his career with the French side before he moved to Brentford in 2019.
He could now make the switch to Old Trafford after United submitted an improved offer of more than £60m for the forward.
"I coached him in his first year as a senior player and he was a really nice boy," Almeida told BBC Radio Manchester.
"The first point is, the human values of Bryan - coachable, humble, really hungry to learn all the time. After that was potential, because he gave the first steps with us that season and he finished the season with lots of goals and passes for goals also.
"He was not quick only with his feet, with his mind also. Each training session for him was like a final. In that time, he want to to learn, improve and go as far as he could. Of course he didn't know at the time he could be as far as he is now, but his mindset - it separated him from the others."
Asked whether Mbeumo can handle the pressure at Old Trafford, Almeida said: "I think so. I saw him jump from us at Troyes to Brentford in the Championship and then to the Premier League. He handled it really well.
"I know he is a little shy but, at the same time, he trusts himself. So he knows how strong is he, what capabilities he has, how strong he is as a player. Of course, Manchester United is a different level club, but I am trustful he will do it well.
"If he is going, it is because Ruben wants him. He will fit exactly what Ruben wants as a player. Not only in offensive way but also in defensive way because Ruben demands that from the players - always."
Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesRuben Amorim spoke often enough last season about Manchester United's failure to make the most of their opportunities.
They need to score much more than the paltry 44 league goals they managed in 2024-25.
Bryan Mbeumo's arrival should help address that shortfall but, as with Matheus Cunha, the Cameroon forward will offer more than that.
He has the power and strength to carry the ball forward. Too many of United's attacking players are the nippy variety, who find it easier to operate in small spaces.
The theory is Mbeumo, allied with Cunha and a strong number nine who can play with his back to goal and hold the ball up effectively, can force the opposition back, creating greater depth to the game, more space for United to play in and greater opportunities.
United are trying to mitigate their recruitment plan going wrong previously by bringing in players who are used to the Premier League and do not require settling-in time, which, after how last season ended, is in short supply.
Mbeumo cannot be the end of the reshaping of Amorim's squad - and the former Sporting boss said at the end of last season that it might take a few transfer windows to get what he wants.
But it does appear United will be a bigger goal threat next term. And from that, significant improvement should come.
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Cameroon defender Sebastien Bassong spoke to BBC World Service's Sport Today about Manchester United target Bryan Mbeumo: "His main asset is football IQ. The way he moves himself in the spaces means he can get himself out of situations, out of trouble. He's not a stubborn player who just runs into people so that's what makes him so unpredictable and difficult.
"He's quick - but when I say quick, I mean the way he moves. He's always on the move and he's very resilient to go and hurt people. That's what makes him a very, very dangerous player.
"For me, I see Mbeumo really on the wing because he needs space. I don't see him being cramped in the middle of the traffic, in the middle of the park, which would be the case if he plays behind the striker.
"I don't see him fitting that system from the start but, on the other hand, he's a very clever player and Ruben Amorim is a very forward-thinking coach. So if he's really keen on him, he knows exactly where he wants him to fit in his system.
"I think they would have had some conversations. So if he goes there, they're both going be able to make it work."
Everton and Manchester United are interested in Leicester City's 28-year-old Nigeria midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, who has a £9m relegation release clause in his contract. (Talksport), external
Barcelona are considering a loan move for United forward Marcus Rashford. (Guardian), external
And Fenerbahce are interested in United winger Jadon Sancho, who is valued at £25m. (Talksport), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesThere is still questions marks on where Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo will be playing in the upcoming season.
After scoring a career-best 20 goals for the Bees in 2024-25, the 25-year-old has understandably attracted interest.
The latest on his situation sees Manchester United submitting an improved bid of more than £60m.
The Red Devils already had a bid rejected for the striker earlier this month of £45m plus up to £10m in add-ons.
United could be facing competition from elsewhere, with it being understood new Tottenham manager Thomas Frank was keen to be reunited with Mbeumo, while there has also been interest in the Cameroon international from other Champions League clubs.
With one bid rejected and a higher one now being put forward, and having already made one key signing in Matheus Cunha, what is the maximum United should offer for the Cameroon international?
Just how much is Mbeumo worth?
Image source, Getty ImagesBBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions on all things Premier League.
Ben asked: It looks like Manchester United are addressing the goal scoring issues from last season. In my view, there is still strengthening to do at goalkeeper, wing-back and in strengthening a stodgy and distinctly uncreative midfield. I'm not sure that is possible in one window. Where do you see the priorities?
Phil answered: Where do you start, Ben? United's team has gone into decline as a result of poor management and poor recruitment. I think they are right to strengthen in the attacking areas, with Matheus Cunha in and Bryan Mbeumo likely. It will now be interesting to see if they go for a main central striker.
Andre Onana does not convince me as a top-class keeper, but you can't rebuild Manchester United in a day and they have clearly decided the top end of the team is a priority.
This is a huge job to get them even close to main title contenders.
Image source, Getty ImagesOur chief football writer Phil McNulty has been taking your questions.
Rob asked: With Aaron Ramsdale being touted out for loans, why are Manchester United not busting a gut to sign him, considering their current goalkeeping options?
Phil answered: Manchester United's goalkeeping situation is an interesting one as the understanding was that they would stick with Andre Onana and focus on strengthening their forward positions, as we've seen with the signing of Matheus Cunha and the acceleration of a move for Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo.
Whether that changes remains to be seen, because Onana hasn't convinced. An upgrade would be preferable, although whether they consider Aaron Ramsdale to be an upgrade is another question.
As for Ramsdale, I'm certain he would welcome a move back to the Premier League, especially with a World Cup coming up and others such as Dean Henderson now well ahead of him in the England pecking order.
He will want to play on the biggest stage to see if he can revive his international hopes.
Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist
Data is based on Championship and Premier League games only
Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo could make the switch to Manchester United this summer, so what might the Cameroon international add to Ruben Amorim's side?
Well, goals, energy, assists and pace if last season is anything to go by.
When Ivan Toney departed Brentford for the Saudi Pro League last summer, very few people would have anticipated the Bees would adapt so quickly and finish 10th.
That was largely down to Mbeumo's partnership with centre-forward Yoane Wissa, as the pair formed quite an attacking force.
The Bees scored 66 goals in the league in total and had the highest conversion rate (19.9%) of all teams in the Premier League.
Mbeumo scored 20 of that tally, with only Mohamed Salah (29), Alexander Isak (23) and Erling Haaland (22) scoring more. He also provided seven assists.
So while the numbers reflect why Manchester United would be interested in the 25-year-old, it is also important to look at the wider picture.
Mbeumo overperformed last season according to Opta, scoring 20 times despite having an xG of 12.26.
He surpassed his expected goals total by the greatest margin in the Premier League season (+7.74) and also had the highest expected assists total of any player in the league with 9.28.
In the 2023-24 season, Mbeumo scored nine goals and registered seven assists in 25 games, while the season before he netted the same amount of goals but one more assist.
So Opta are right in that he overperformed for Brentford last season compared to his previous three seasons in the Premier League and Amorim will have to push to make sure this new standard from Mbeumo becomes the norm.
But it is when and how Mbeumo scores that will interest Manchester United fans the most.
Image source, Getty ImagesMbeumo signed from French club Troyes in 2019
Mbeumo is viewed as being versatile, dynamic, powerful and fast, and Amorim wants flexible players.
Brentford were fast-starters in the Premier League, putting together a unique run of scoring in the opening 40 seconds in three successive games. Mbeumo was responsible for keeping that trend going - scoring after 23 seconds against Tottenham and 37 seconds against West Ham.
It is quite remarkable when there were only 10 goals scored in the Premier League last season with less than a minute on the clock and two are his.
Manchester United would certainly benefit from Mbeumo's lively start as the Reds were particularly slow to grow into games last season and left a lot of fans slumping into their seats rather than on the edge of them.
A move from west London to Old Trafford is at the talks stage between the clubs, with United now waiting to see if their improved bid worth £60m will be enough for Brentford.
Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesBrentford's Bryan Mbeumo is a man in demand after 20 Premier League goals in 2024-25 - the first time he has scored 10 times or more in a top-flight season.
That was despite an expected goals total for the campaign of 12.3, meaning he outperformed his xG by 7.7.
Historically, that level of clinical finishing has rarely proved repeatable.
In the past five Premier League seasons, just 14 players have overperformed their xG by at least five goals. The only player to do so more than once is Tottenham's Son Heung-min, in 2020-21 and 2021-22.
That doesn't make Mbeumo, who consistently ranks highly for chances created, any less of an asset to a new team. But it could mean clubs chasing him pay a bit of a premium for his signature and perhaps risks inflating expectations from supporters.
The Cameroon international, 25, is linked with a move to Manchester United - who have made an improved bid worth £60m. The Old Trafford side have already signed Matheus Cunha, another player who dramatically surpassed his xG last term.
The Brazilian's 15 goals for Wolves came from an xG of 8.6, with only Mbeumo and Chris Wood of Nottingham Forest (6.6) recording bigger differences in 2024-25.
Image source, Getty Images"Most defenders we played against hated playing against the two of us."
Those are the words of Wayne Rooney, reflecting on his time playing alongside Carlos Tevez in a special episode of the Football Daily podcast about the divisive Argentine great.
Tevez spent two trophy-laden years at Old Trafford, winning two Premier League titles, the Champions League, the Carabao Cup and the Club World Cup.
"When Carlos joined Manchester United, there was a lot of talk about whether Carlos and I could play up front together," said Rooney. "I was really excited when we signed him.
"We were similar in ways how we played - both worked hard and could both play as a nine, both play off the forward as well.
"We had a really good understanding and chemistry on the pitch, off the pitch.
"I used to pick him up to take him to the airport before Champions League games. It was interesting actually because we couldn't really have a conversation. I think his English was better than he let on.
"He's a player you'd always want on your team and he scored some great goals for us, at big moments for us as well. Two years at Manchester United - two league titles, the Champions League... he was a massive part of that.
"I think Carlos was my favourite strike partner to play alongside.
"Most defenders we played actually hated playing against the two of us and we could feel that. We knew we were nasty as well.
"Very instinctive, intense, off the cuff. Anything could happen at any moment."
Image source, Getty ImagesTevez's time at Old Trafford ended in controversy, with a move to city rivals Manchester City and the iconic 'Welcome to Manchester' billboard that followed.
"When Carlos moved to Man City, I was gutted to be honest and I'm pretty sure Carlos wanted to stay at Manchester United," Rooney added.
"At the time, City were trying to build, become competitive and win titles. I knew that he'd be a massive part of that because of the ability he has and I think we saw that when he went there.
"He had some great times at Manchester City so I was devastated. I would have really liked for him to stay longer and to continue to play together."
Juventus are prepared to offer 25-year-old Serbia striker Dusan Vlahovic and 27-year-old Brazil midfielder Douglas Luiz as part of a deal for Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian), external
Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesJonny Evans made 241 appearances across two spells at Manchester United
Jonny Evans is in line to remain at Manchester United in a staff role after his playing contract expired at the end of the season.
While it was assumed Northern Ireland centre-back Evans would retire, the 37-year-old has been determined to assess all his options, mindful he did not want to leave his base in the north-west of England.
It is understood Evans is in advanced talks with United over a role that would see him look after the loan deals put in place for younger players.
In their retained list announced earlier this month, United had 33 younger players under contract, a significant proportion of whom will be loaned out during the 2025-26 season.
England Under-19 forward Ethan Wheatley may fall into that category, with United keen to avoid the striker suffering a similar experience to his stint at Walsall in the second half of last season, when he ended up playing on just four occasions.
Evans was the last remaining player at United to have been picked for a league game by Sir Alex Ferguson.
Goalkeeper Tom Heaton was named on the bench on a number of occasions at the start of his career but never made an actual first-team appearance.
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your views on Alejandro Garnacho's social media post, which featured an image of him wearing an Aston Villa shirt with Marcus Rashford's name on the back.
Here are some of your comments:
Lee: It's all about maturity and professionalism and I'm sorry to say he's displaying neither here. He is being paid what for most people would be a life changing wage every week and United have played a huge part in his life. It may be time to move on but he should still display professionalism as he is supposed to be a role model and should respect the club. If he wants to sulk, do it in private.
Steve: A storm in a teacup. Blown out of all proportion as Garnacho's on his way anyway. He wasn't disrespectful to United and some fans are just too thin-skinned.
Andy: 'Tone deaf' is too generous — Garnacho knew exactly what he was doing. Wearing a Rashford shirt between a Ferrari and Lamborghini on holiday isn't a tribute, it's a flex. It screams entitlement. These lads aren't misunderstood, they're pampered, overpaid, and allergic to accountability. Rashford, Sancho, Garnacho — more worried about image than impact. United's problem isn't ability, it's attitude. Zero integrity. Zero respect.
Mark: A mountain out of a molehill, get on with it.
Matt: It's a silly move on his part. Doesn't he realise that he's making himself look less desirable to potential suitors? He may well end up in the exact same position as Rashford with too many question marks over his attitude leaving clubs to look elsewhere.
Paul: With the sad state of the world at present, people are concerned that Garnacho wore his friend's shirt while in holiday! He does have the right to feel aggrieved, he should have started the Europa League final. Hope he stays, there's so much more to come from him, he just needs a hug.
Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesAlejandro Garnacho is still a Manchester United player but it seems he has checked out of life at Old Trafford.
Maybe his attitude is understandable given Ruben Amorim told him before the final Premier League game of the season he could find himself another club.
Garnacho did not appear particularly engaged during the post-season trip to Malaysia and Hong Kong and has now decided it is a good idea to allow the public to see a picture of him wearing a shirt of a rival club – albeit with the name of team-mate – and fellow Amorim outcast – Marcus Rashford – on the back.
The 20-year-old presumably thinks his bridges are already burned as far as Amorim and United are concerned but it won't make it easier to sell him.
Former club Atletico Madrid have been mentioned as one potential destination, although their current focus is on salvaging their Club World Cup campaign, as have Chelsea, although they are keen on Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Gittens.
It is another couple of weeks until United return for pre-season training but it is hard to see Garnacho playing any meaningful part in that. With the Argentine, Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Antony, Amorim could find himself with his own version of Chelsea's 'bomb squad', a very expensive, well-paid group of players he has no use for.
Image source, Getty ImagesBBC Sport's Chief Football reporter Simon Stone says Alejandro Garnacho's recent social media post will not come without backlash from Manchester United supporters.
Sources have told BBC Sport that it is nothing more than support for his team-mate - but we want to know what you think.
Do you think Garnacho was wrong for this social media post, or is it being blown out of proportion by some Manchester United fans?
Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesEngland endured a frustrating group stage exit from the European Under-19 Championships thanks to Germany's injury-time winner against Norway.
But Manchester United striker Ethan Wheatley had a decent tournament, scoring twice after surprisingly being left out of the starting line-up for the opening draw with Norway.
Wheatley has now started his summer break but will return to United for pre-season training in July with his short-term future still undecided.
The 19-year-old had a frustrating loan spell at Walsall at the end of last season, making just four appearances, and only one, as a second half substitute, from 1 February, before returning to United for the end of their Premier League 2 play-off campaign.
At the same time, Chido Obi made his first-team breakthrough and now United are looking to add Bryan Mbeumo and, potentially, another number nine to Ruben Amorim's squad in addition to Matheus Cunha.
It is acknowledged Wheatley needs to play games which suggests another loan move is on the horizon for a player who signed a contract to 2028 as recently as March.
But after the Walsall experience, it is crucial the next loan, if that is the chosen route, is the right one.
Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter
Image source, InstagramAlejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford are kindred spirits in a way.
Both are hugely talented players who have been deemed surplus to requirements by Amorim and the belief is the initial post – and response – are a way of offering public support in a period of time where they are both looking for other clubs.
Chelsea are admirers of Garnacho but it remains to be seen whether their pursuit of Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund closes off that avenue out of Old Trafford.
There are rumours of the 20-year-old returning to his former club Atletico Madrid this summer and there will be other suitors.
However, Alejandro Garnacho's post showing his support for team-mate Rashford by posing in his Aston Villa shirt on holiday - which he posted on his social media - does not come without fall-out.
Firstly, what effect will it have on the fee United can command for a player who has made such a provocative gesture?
Secondly, it hardly seems plausible Amorim will bring Garnacho back into the first-team fold when his squad return to training in July, let alone consider him for the three-match trip to the United States at the end of the month.
Manchester United are showing an interest in 25-year-old Fiorentina and Italy striker Moise Kean, whose €52m release clause (£44.5m) is valid from 1-15 July. (La Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian), external
Meanwhile, a move from Juventus for 25-year-old Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho depends on whether the Italian club sign Francisco Conceicao from Porto. (Corriere dello Sport - in Italian), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column
