Gary Linekar admits he had question marks over Manchester United signing Bryan Mbeumo in the summer
Manchester United’s summer recruits were on full display in their big victory over Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday. Ruben Amorim and Co. have now won three Premier League matches in a row, leapfrogging the likes of Liverpool, Aston Villa and Chelsea into sixth in the table.
The Red Devils seem to have turned a corner after a dismal start to the season, and the form of Bryan Mbeumo has been key to that renaissance. After an impressive few years in the Premier League with Brentford, Bryan Mbeumo took up a new challenge by joining Ruben Amorim’s side during the summer transfer window. After a drawn-out saga, the Mancunian giants finally managed to land one of their main attacking targets. They had to splash a hefty fee upwards of £70 million for the African forward, and it looks like money very well spent.
Bryan Mbeumo bagged 20 Premier League goals for Brentford last season, so the Old Trafford faithful would love to see their new forward score as many or perhaps more in his first season in Manchester. The 26-year-old is increasingly proving a pivotal part of Ruben Amorim’s attack, forming a strong partnership with fellow newcomers Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko.
Gary Lineker impressed with Bryan Mbeumo
The left-footed speedster has already bagged four league goals and is looking even more dangerous as he settles in his new surroundings. With five goals in all competitions, Mbeumo is Man United’s top goalscorer this season as things stand.
Man United great Wayne Rooney is also happy with Mbeumo, praising his hunger and reliability. Former England playmaker Gary Lineker has also been impressed with Mbeumo’s start to life at Old Trafford. The reputed pundit initially questioned how the Cameroonian international would find the “jump” from Brentford to “one of the giants of world football”, but says it is already clear he can “handle” the pressure.
“Mbeumo, you give him time and space, and he’s going to hurt you. And I thought he played really well as well. He’s really good Mbeumo,” Gary Lineker said on the latest episode of The Rest Is Football podcast.
“I suppose the question mark against someone that’s done consistently well at a club like Brentford, with all due respect, is to then jump to one of the one of the giants in world football and be able to handle it and he clearly can. It’s not fazed him in in the slightest.”
Mbeumo has to keep going
Mbeumo scored United’s opener in their memorable 2-1 win over Liverpool at Anfield last weekend before bagging a brace in Saturday’s 4-2 victory over Brighton. When the Seagulls came from behind to make it 3-2 and create a tense final few minutes at Old Trafford, the Cameroonian sealed the deal in stoppage time with a rasping left-footed drive past onrushing goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen from Ayden Heaven’s fine through ball.
Amorim was fighting to save his job just a matter of weeks ago but three straight wins has greatly lifted the mood in and around Old Trafford. And Mbeumo has been the catalyst for the team’s revival in fortunes, giving energy, physicality, purpose, flair and goals.
Next up for United is a trip to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, the France-born ace will be licking his lips at the prospect of facing a susceptible defence. Long may his goals continue flowing for United