Man Utd can solve two problems after approval to sign star Bryan Mbeumo hates playing

Manchester United’s summer transfer business has taken another decisive turn, with Michael Carrick’s side poised to address two pressing issues in one move. The club’s pursuit of Fulham’s Antonee Robinson is gathering momentum, not just for his quality as a left-back but for the tactical headache he could remove from Erik ten Hag’s old playbook. Robinson’s arrival would not only shore up a chronically thin defensive position but also neutralise a player Bryan Mbeumo has publicly struggled against—something United’s new striker has made clear in no uncertain terms. According to the Mirror Football report, Mbeumo named Robinson as the toughest defender he has ever faced during an appearance on the Obi One podcast last year, stating: “I used to play against him when he was at Wigan and he changed completely. Now he can do everything: attack, defend, he’s strong, good with his feet—really hard to play against.”

A left-back who can do everything—and what that means for Shaw

Robinson’s reputation as one of the Premier League’s most complete full-backs is built on hard data. Over 215 appearances for Wigan Athletic, Everton, and Fulham, he has contributed 26 goal involvements while earning 58 caps for the United States national team. His versatility—defending aggressively, overlapping with control, and linking play with composure—makes him an ideal partner for Luke Shaw, whose own injury history has left United dangerously exposed at left-back since Tyrell Malacia’s exit in June. With Shaw now the sole senior option in the position, the club has turned to 19-year-old Harry Amass as backup. Yet after just seven first-team appearances, Amass is widely seen as too inexperienced to shoulder the load alone. Robinson, at 28, would provide immediate competition and cover, while also removing a tactical nuisance that has repeatedly disrupted United’s attacking rhythm.

The Rashford return—and the shirt number that complicates it

Marcus Rashford’s impending return to Old Trafford adds another layer to United’s squad planning. After Barcelona opted against activating their £26million purchase option in his loan deal, Rashford is set to rejoin Carrington following his World Cup break. His return, however, comes with an awkward twist: Matheus Cunha now occupies the iconic No.10 shirt, a jersey Rashford wore for years and one Cunha has embraced with reverence. “It’s the dream not only to use the shirt, but with all the history they have around the number,” Cunha said, namechecking Wayne Rooney, Ruud van Nistelrooy, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic among his predecessors. The shirt swap underscores the fluidity of United’s squad dynamics under Carrick. While Rashford’s future remains tied to the club for now, his representatives have held “encouraging discussions” about a pre-season return, though the No.10 issue looms large. Mount and Santos have impressed in pre-season, but the Rashford conundrum highlights how Carrick’s side still lacks clarity in key positions.

Rashford’s future: Liverpool as a surprise destination?

The question of where Rashford fits now extends beyond Old Trafford. Former Chelsea midfielder Claude Makelele, among others, has suggested Liverpool as a potential destination if the forward seeks a fresh start. Makelele argued that Rashford flourished during his loan at Barcelona, rediscovering his love for the game in a system that suited him. “Sometimes a move is exactly what saves you,” he said in an interview with ComeOn. “It gives you back the taste for football.” Rashford’s contract clause—once a potential exit route at £40million—has now expired, meaning any club can negotiate afresh. While Manchester City and Liverpool were barred from triggering it, the door is open for other suitors. Makelele’s view is echoed by ex-Liverpool striker Fernando Morientes, who suggested that playing regularly under Andoni Iraola could reignite Rashford’s career. “He showed in specific moments he’s a great player,” Morientes told Reviant. “The thing is, with this type of player you have to give him minutes.”

What comes next: Robinson, Rashford, and Carrick’s balancing act

United’s transfer activity suggests Carrick is prioritising pragmatism over sentiment. Robinson’s reported £25million valuation—initially cited as a sticking point in earlier talks—now appears surmountable, with Fulham reportedly frustrated by the protracted process. The left-back’s arrival would kill two birds with one stone: shoring up a weak position and easing Mbeumo’s burden against a defender he has publicly struggled to overcome. Meanwhile, Rashford’s return complicates the No.10 debate, but it also presents an opportunity. If Carrick can integrate him alongside Cunha and the emerging Mount-Santos midfield axis, United may finally have the balance they lacked under Ten Hag. The challenge, as ever, is execution. Arsenal and United have been linked with Ollie Watkins, but Carrick’s focus appears squarely on his own squad. With pre-season underway and a congested fixture list looming, the next fortnight will reveal whether Robinson lands—or if Rashford’s future is still in flux.

One thing is certain: Carrick’s United are moving decisively, even if the path isn’t always straightforward. The Robinson pursuit is a statement of intent—one that could redefine United’s defensive structure and, by extension, Mbeumo’s comfort in attack. As for Rashford? The No.10 shirt may be gone, but his role at the club is still up for negotiation. The coming weeks will decide whether United can solve two problems at once—or if they’ll need a third.