Bryan Mbeumo has revealed the important relationship he has with a Manchester United star; it was crucial against Manchester City.
Bryan Mbeumo started as the centre-forward against Manchester City, for the first time in his Manchester United career, and the first since his African Cup of Nations campaign. His time with Cameroon meant he was absent for Rúben Amorim’s sacking and Darren Fletcher’s interim spell.
Michael Carrick reverted to a 4-2-3-1 formation, as did Fletcher, but this left question marks over how Amad and Mbeumo would play together. Carrick’s solution? Play Mbeumo up front, and it worked wonders.
Mbeumo looked a threat throughout the game, often combining well with the midfielders and other attackers. The former Brentford forward broke the deadlock with a brilliant first-time finish in the second half, before Patrick Dorgu made it two goals to the good from a Matheus Cunha cross.
United will be hoping for another impressive performance this weekend as they face Arsenal in the Premier League. Mikel Arteta’s side played United in both sides’ first game of the season, with Arsenal coming out on top despite an excellent performance from the Red Devils. It was a “set piece again, ole ole ole.”
Carrick needs to ensure United have the same fight and passion against Arsenal as they did against Manchester City last weekend if they want a real chance of winning. One relationship could prove key to United’s chances, too.
Mbeumo speaks on Fernandes relationship
Bruno Fernandes was the creator behind Mbeumo’s goal against City. The United captain carried the ball through the pitch before a deft touch opened the passing lane ahead of Mbeumo. Fernandes weighted the pass to perfection, allowing Mbeumo to strike first time past Gianluigi Donnarumma.
“Everyone knows Bruno’s quality,” said Mbeumo in an interview with Sky Sports. “He’s a very good player who can make great passes and always makes the good choices on the ball.”
Fernandes was also instrumental in United’s out-of-possession approach. He gave the signal when to drop back into the compact 4-4-2 shape, and went to press forward. When United did win the ball, Fernandes was then allowed to return to his playmaking position as a No.10, giving him more freedom to create.
Mbeumo continued: “I always try to do the best for him to give him the ball or to create space for another one.” The two appear to have a brilliant understanding, with Amad forming an impressive trio from the right-hand side.
Carrick may choose to continue with Mbeumo up front ahead of Benjamin Šeško due to his relationship with Fernandes. Their counterattacking intelligence could be the difference between a win and a loss against Arsenal this weekend.
Mbeumo speaks on midfield duo
Casemiro started alongside Kobbie Mainoo against City, for the latter’s first Premier League start of the season. A baffling statistic after his performance against Pep Guardiola’s side.
“Before I came, I heard about him [Mainoo] a lot,” said Mbeumo. “And obviously, his performance this weekend [was impressive]. I was not surprised.”
Read More: Exclusive: How Darren Fletcher benefited from Man Utd interim job after return to U18s role
Mbeumo also spoke on Casemiro, following his announcement that he would leave the club at the end of the season. “He’s a big legend,” said Mbeumo.
“I’m very happy to come here , in Manchester, and play with these kind of players.”
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