Bryan Mbeumo's Man Utd debut on 21/7. Photo: Man Utd

Bryan Mbeumo's Man Utd debut on 21/7. Photo: Man Utd

Keble considers Mbeumo one of the Premier League's top forwards, a significant upgrade over Matheus Cunha, who was signed from Wolves for a total of 85 million USD.

In the 2024-2025 Premier League season, Mbeumo contributed to 27 goals, with 20 goals and seven assists. This placed him third in the league, behind only Mohamed Salah (29 goals and 18 assists) and Alexander Isak (23 goals and six assists).

Mbeumo's game-changing ability makes him an ideal addition to Man Utd's struggling attack. Last season, they scored only 44 goals, their lowest total in the Premier League era. Amorim's team significantly underperformed their expected goals (xG) by 9.5 goals, with an xG of 53.5. This was the second-largest gap in the league, highlighting their finishing issues rather than a lack of opportunities.

In contrast to Man Utd's struggles, Mbeumo had a breakout season. The Cameroonian forward scored 15 non-penalty goals, sixth-highest in the 2024-2025 Premier League, despite having a non-penalty xG of only 7.5. He outperformed his xG by 7.5 goals, more than any other player.

Man Utd's first summer signing, Matheus Cunha, ranked second in exceeding non-penalty xG with 6.4 goals.

Bryan Mbeumo's shot locations in the 2024-2025 Premier League season, with stars indicating goals. Photo: Premier League

Bryan Mbeumo's shot locations in the 2024-2025 Premier League season, with stars indicating goals. Photo: Premier League

Beyond scoring, Mbeumo is an underrated playmaker. During his four Premier League seasons with Brentford, he provided 28 assists, averaging seven per season. This number could increase significantly at a stronger club with more clinical teammates like Cunha.

In the 2024-2025 Premier League season, Mbeumo led the league in expected assists (xA) with 9.3 and ranked fourth in key passes (17), demonstrating his influence beyond scoring. He also ranked 9th in accurate crosses (23) and 10th in live-ball passes into the penalty area (59).

For comparison, Cole Palmer (64) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (65), two of the league's best passers, didn't significantly surpass Mbeumo in live-ball passes into the penalty area.

Bryan Mbeumo's heatmap in the 2024-2025 Premier League season. Photo: Premier League

Bryan Mbeumo's heatmap in the 2024-2025 Premier League season. Photo: Premier League

Mbeumo's skill set aligns well with Amorim's philosophy. Although occasionally deployed as a central striker, he primarily plays as a right forward, cutting inside or staying wide to exploit the space between the opposition's full-back and nearest center-back. This is precisely the right forward's role in Amorim's preferred 3-4-2-1 formation.

Amorim is building Man Utd around a fast-paced, direct, and high-risk transitional style. He uses possession to draw opponents into pressing high, then exploits the space behind them with quick attacks.

Mbeumo, with his pace, dribbling skills, and quick decision-making on the right flank, is a perfect fit for this approach.

Bryan Mbeumo during his first training session with Man Utd on 22/7. Photo: Man Utd

Bryan Mbeumo during his first training session with Man Utd on 22/7. Photo: Man Utd

Last season, Mbeumo ranked second in final-third touches (998) and second in progressive passes received (351), trailing only Salah in both categories. He also ranked second in carries (1,077), 18th in dribbles attempted (111), and 12th in successful take-ons (52).

"Mbeumo and Cunha are likely to play on the wings, providing dynamic runs into central areas to support the striker," Alex Keble commented on the Premier League website. "Man Utd's future under Amorim will be about pace, directness, and clinical finishing. Mbeumo could be the key to unlocking this style."

Hong Duy (via Premier League)