Bryan Mbeumo is transferring to Manchester United. Can the 75-million-man solve the problems of the Red Devils? Expectations could hardly be higher.
For Manchester United, there can only be one mission in the coming season: atonement. The English record champions have a historically painful season behind them.
Position 15 and just 42 points resulted in the first double-digit league placement in over 30 years. The biggest problem: especially in the offense, there was a lot of charging problems last season. And this is exactly where the squad planners started.
Bryan Mbeumo is expected to go on a goal hunt for Manchester United
After the expensive striker Matheus Cunha (approximately 74.2 million euros), Bryan Mbeumo is the next costly attacker to come to Old Trafford. For 75 million euros plus bonuses, as various media reports.
Mbeumo: One of the Best in the Premier League
The right winger Mbeumo comes to Manchester with the recommendation of 20 goals and eight assists in the league. Expectations could hardly be higher in the still demanding environment of United. He received a five-year contract with the option of another year.
Mbeumo fulfilled a long-cherished wish with the move: ManUnited is the club of his dreams, “the team whose jersey I wore as a child.”
At least a look at the statistics of the 25-year-old gives hope that the investment will pay off quickly. According to the figures portal Opta, Mbeumo achieved top values in all offensive values last season – including goals and assists, created chances and ball contacts in the opponent’s penalty area.
However, it is precisely that accuracy that United lacked last season that is particularly noteworthy. With a shot conversion rate of 22.53 percent, the 22-time Cameroonian international was surpassed only by the Premier League stars Mohamed Salah (FC Liverpool) and Alexander Isak (Newcastle United).
This enormous hit rate was also reflected in the ratio between his twenty goals scored and the merely expected 12.3 goals. Statistically, Mbeumo exceeded expectations by a whole 7.7 goals – more than any other player in the league.
That’s what distinguishes the soon-to-be United star
According to former Premier League professional Chris Sutton, it is precisely this reliability that is the reason why the Red Devils are paying such a large sum for Mbeumo.
“United’s attack is clearly an area in which they need to improve. That’s why they opted for Mbeumo, because I think he’s someone they can trust in all areas, in and out of possession, with the work rate and the energy – and also with the goals,” Sutton is quoted by BBC Sport.
Mbeumo is a football daredevil who is characterized by speed and straightforwardness. While his finish was still considered sloppy and unclean at the beginning of his time in the Premier League, he is now a perfecter. “My mentality is to always be better than yesterday,” he said now. He is considered a hard worker.
In addition, there are strengths in dribbling and strong decision-making in the last third: Mbeumo also has a good eye for the better-positioned colleague even when running at speed.
Mbeumo must deliver immediately
His qualities as a preparer in particular could do United good. The game of the Red Devils is usually very dependent on the flashes of inspiration from playmaker Bruno Fernandes.
So is Mbeumo the hoped-for savior? Ex-professional Sutton noted: “He did well at Brentford, but playing for Manchester United is very different. In terms of Brentford, there are no great expectations. At United, he is expected to perform immediately.”
In addition: The past season marked a real breakthrough for the national player. He had not moved at a similar level before. Now he has to confirm the performance explosion in a team that has been faltering for years – which has recently been wrong with million transfers. Means: Mbeumo is taking on perhaps the most difficult task in the Premier League.
For FC Brentford, meanwhile, the formerly most expensive newcomer in the club’s history will also become the most expensive departure.
The path to becoming a beacon of hope for Manchester United for Mbeumo, however, progressed only gradually and over several years. In 2019, the French-born player moved from ESTAC Troyes to FC Brentford for 6.5 million euros. With the Bees, Mbeumo succeeded in being promoted to the Premier League in his second year.
After four seasons in the English top flight, the next step should now follow – on which Mbeumo wants to attack again with Manchester United in higher table regions.