Thomas Frank can't hide true feelings as Man Utd agree £71m Bryan Mbeumo transfer
Thomas Frank showed his class by acknowledging that Bryan Mbeumo is fully deserving of a big move as he closes in on a transfer to Manchester United - even though the Dane wanted to reunite with his star forward at Tottenham.
Mbeumo, 25, has been courted by top clubs this summer after breaking the 20-goal barrier in the Premier League for the first time last season. Arsenal, Newcastle and Spurs have all been credited with an interest in the Cameroon star, along with United.
Frank oversaw Mbeumo's fine season at Brentford before moving to Tottenham and wanted to bring the versatile attacker with him to north London.
But Mbeumo only had eyes for United and is now close to getting his wish with a deal worth £71million including add-ons now in place.
Despite missing out on a deal for his former player, there were no sour grapes from Frank as he addressed the press as Spurs manager for the first time; and he even took the opportunity to sing Mbeumo's praises.
"Bryan, of course, is a fantastic player," Frank said. "I have been with him for five years. I think he deserved the move, no matter where he goes.
"As a player I wish him all the best when you've been with a player for so long."
Mbeumo is expected to undergo a medical and finalise his switch to Manchester United over the weekend before joining Ruben Amorim 's squad on their pre-season tour of the United States.
He joins Matheus Cunha through the door at Old Trafford this summer as the club set about revamping their attack after scoring just 44 goals in the Premier League last season.
United are expected to step up their efforts to sign a new No 9 once Mbeumo's switch has been concluded, though they may need to offload some of the players who have been deemed surplus to requirements before they can sanction any further big-money deals.
Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho are among those available for transfer this summer. However, nothing has been agreed in terms of a transfer for any of the players as yet, meaning United have so far been unable to bolster their summer transfer budget with any additional funds.
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