Bryan Mbeumo, who recently transferred to Manchester United from Brentford for a fee that could reach £71 million, is poised to make significant contributions on both ends of the pitch this Premier League season. The 25-year-old forward, celebrated for his explosive scoring—20 goals in the previous Premier League season—also brings a commendable focus on defense, a quality that has drawn the attention of United’s head coach, Ruben Amorim.
While speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Mbeumo emphasized the importance of team defense, stating, “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. It’s really important to defend well as a team. Of course, it’s easier to regain the ball [that way] as well.” His remarks highlight a significant shift from the performance levels of outgoing players at United.
Under Amorim, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho have struggled defensively, and both have been labeled part of the so-called “bomb squad” this summer, as they were instructed to seek transfers. Rashford has already secured a season-long loan to Barcelona, leaving the club after issues concerning discipline and a lack of defensive responsibility. These shortcomings have been scrutinized within the context of Amorim’s success at Sporting CP, where he won two league titles through rigorous defensive strategies and aggressive ball recovery.
Mbeumo’s commitment to both offensive and defensive duties will likely resonate with a fan base that has expressed frustration at previous players, such as Rashford, for their perceived lack of defensive commitment. His dedication was evident during his time at Brentford, where he covered more distance than any other forward in the league last season, delivering the highest number of crosses (202) and expected assists (9.3).
As pre-season progresses, Mbeumo’s proactive approach on the field promises to be a refreshing addition to the Red Devils, enhancing both their attacking and defensive capabilities as the season unfolds.
