Manchester United’s new forward Bryan Mbeumo has made a strong start in pre-season.
The £71 million signing from Brentford impressed in his debut against Everton in Atlanta.
Mbeumo looked sharp in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation, showing the pace, skill, and work rate that made him one of the Premier League’s top players last season.
He scored 20 goals and added seven assists for Brentford in the 2024-25 season.
Now playing as a right-sided No. 10, Mbeumo seems to fit well alongside Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha.
Midfield Concerns Continue
While Mbeumo brings hope, problems in midfield continue. Manuel Ugarte, signed to anchor the midfield, has struggled in pre-season.
His passing has been sloppy, and he hasn’t kept up with the game’s pace.
Casemiro, now 33, has also shown signs of slowing down. His lack of mobility is a concern, especially in Amorim’s fast, pressing system.
Amorim is considering dropping Bruno Fernandes deeper to help with buildup play, but that’s not a long-term fix.
The manager wants a strong, athletic midfielder who can tackle, run, and control the game alongside Fernandes.
The draw against Leeds made it clear that United’s midfield needs more energy and speed.
More Transfers Needed
United have saved money by offloading Marcus Rashford’s £14 million-a-year wages and earning £20.7 million through sell-on fees. Still, the transfer budget remains tight.
Amorim needs to make smart choices, as any new signing must fit his system perfectly.
Targets are being watched, but time is running out. The Premier League opener against Arsenal on August 17 is close.
If no reliable midfielder is signed soon, United could face serious problems early in the season. Mbeumo may be a bright light, but without balance in midfield, United’s ambitions could quickly fade.