Bryan Mbeumo has vowed to deliver the one thing Ruben Amorim requires from all of his players, as well as providing a breath of fresh air in attack thanks to his eye for goal
Bryan Mbeumo is ready to show up Manchester United’s departing players after highlighting the importance of defending in his game. United last week announced the arrival of Mbeumo from Brentford in a deal which could reach £71million.
The 25-year-old is an exciting addition to Ruben Amorim’s forward line, which struggled for goals last season. Mbeumo will certainly add that, with 20 Premier League finishes for the Bees last season showcasing his eye for goal, while his blistering pace will also add a new dynamic to United’s attacking trident.
Yet, during an interview on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, the Cameroon international highlighted another skill of his which was undoubtedly a factor in Amorim pushing so hard to sign him this summer – his impressive defensive work-rate.
The forward was asked by United legend Ferdinand about his efforts on the other end of the pitch, to which he replied: “It’s really important to attack and defend as a team. I think if just one of us doesn’t defend, it makes space for the opponents and they can get through.”
Providing a nine-word comment which his new boss will love, Mbeumo said: “It’s really important to defend well as a team.” He added: “Of course it’s easier to regain the ball [that way] as well.”
His emphasis on defending is in stark contrast to the forwards that have played and failed under Amorim since his appointment in November. Antony, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho are three members of United’s so-called ‘bomb squad’ this summer.
They were all told to find new clubs at the start of the summer and forced to train away from the first-team. While discipline and poor form were also factors in Red Devils chiefs deciding to part ways with the players, all three, along with returning loanee Jadon Sancho, have been accused of poor defensive workrate in the past.
Much of Amorim’s success at Sporting CP, where he won two league titles, was built on hard defensive graft and winning the ball back aggressively high up the pitch, with press traps leading to quick transitions to attack.
That is part of the reason why the Portuguese tactician relied so heavily on Amad last season compared to some of United’s flashier forward options. The Ivorian registered more tackles, duels and recoveries than Rashford and Garnacho, while repaying Amorim’s trust by scoring 11 goals and providing 10 assists in all competitions.
Under the defensive-minded Thomas Frank at Brentford, Mbeumo was certainly no slouch either. He covered more ground than any other forward in the league last season, along with providing the most crosses (202) and the most expected assists (9.3).
His intention to continue working hard in both attack and defence will be music to the ears of not only Amorim but also United’s fanbase, who’ve expressed their frustrations with the likes of Rashford for his lack of tracking back on multiple occasions in the past.
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Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
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