Bryan Mbeumo gives green light to 'complete' striker transfer as Man Utd make move

Bryan Mbeumo has hailed Manchester United target Ollie Watkins as the “complete” player.

Mbeumo, who joined United from Brentford last week in a deal worth up to £71million, played alongside Watkins for the Bees before the striker moved to Aston Villa. United boss Ruben Amorim wants to sign Watkins to lead his attack, with Villa valuing the England international at £60million - around £15m more than the Red Devils are willing to pay.

Mbeumo would relish a reunion with Watkins at United and revealed his admiration for the 29-year-old from the season they played together.

Reflecting on his time at Brentford, Mbeumo said: “We had Ollie, who I got to know over time. I think he's really complete [as a player].

"He's like a complete striker. He can do a lot of things.

READ MORE: Gary Lineker reveals he WAS sacked by BBC in talks after antisemitism row

READ MORE: Rio Ferdinand responds to Bruno Fernandes snubbing £300m offer – 'Are you mad?'

“He can drop with the set or go in behind and I think this is really good for me or for a winger, because you can use his space to fit in there. And he can combine as well. So I think it's really good.

“I think it's really important as well to have a really good relationship off the pitch with your teammates. After, when my English got better, I could have a good chat with him.”

On what he can bring to United, Mbeumo, appearing said: “Obviously, the coach has his ideas. Then it's the players who are doing the show.

“I'm someone who likes to be structured, to know what to do with the manager. But obviously, in my position in the last third, you have to do your own bit and be creative.

“I like creativity. I like moving on the pitch, not staying in one position. But obviously you have to respect some formals and some principles and then after it's just you and your football.”

* Listen to the full Rio Meets Bryan Mbeumo interview on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.