Man Utd told the 'only way' they sign Brian Brobbey - and it is some ask

27 Sept 2026 09:29 BST |
2 min read

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The “only way” Brian Brobbey becomes a target for Manchester United is if they morph into a “really dominant team”, according to Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

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Brobbey is developing a reputation as one of the most exciting strikers in Europe with both Sunderland and the Netherlands national team.

After helping fire Sunderland to Europa League qualification last season, the 24-year-old scored three goals for his country at the 2026 World Cup.

And Brobbey caught the eye when using his explosive blend of power and pace to score a hat-trick against Manchester City earlier this month.

Such has been the form of Brobbey that there has been loose speculation linking him with a possible move to United in the future.

However, former Chelsea and Netherlands striker Hasselbaink insists a transfer would only make sense if United started to dominate teams on a regular basis.

While United have averaged 59.9 per cent possession in the Premier League this season, the third-highest amount, they have only won one game so far.

Sunderland meanwhile have averaged 48.4 per cent possession so far this season, the ninth-highest amount, but they too have only won one game despite Brobbey’s exploits.

“The only way I can see him (Brobbey), for instance, at Man United is if Man United become a really dominant team that has 60 per cent of the ball, that plays 80, 85 per cent of the time in the opposition half,” Hasselbaink told MrQ via GOAL. “Then he’s very good.

“He does the job for Sunderland as well, don’t get me wrong. But his biggest asset is holding the ball and bringing people in. And if you can do that around the opposition’s box, you have a problem. So I can see that if Man United becomes a really dominant team.”

United looking to return to winning ways against Spurs

Brobbey is currently recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in the Netherlands’ 1-1 draw with Jurgen Klopp’s Germany in the Nations League on Thursday.

Sunderland return to action when they entertain high-flying Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League on Saturday, 10 October following the international break.

United, on the other hand, play host to fellow strugglers Tottenham Hotspur on the same day at Old Trafford, with the visitors currently bottom of the table.