Sebastian Bassong, formerly of Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, has praised Bryan Mbeumo for his “main asset”, as it will help him thrive under Rúben Amorim
If Bryan Mbeumo joins Manchester United, he will add to what is quickly becoming an impressive frontline if Rúben Amorim can help them play their best football.
Mbeumo will likely play on the right of United’s front three, meaning Amad will drop back to right wing back as he did on several occasions last season, with Noussair Mazraoui playing in the back three.
United’s new £62.5 million transfer, Matheus Cunha, will be the first-choice on the left of the attacking midfielders, if Bruno Fernandes drops into deeper midfield alongside Casemiro.
The two No.10s of Cunha and Mbeumo could operate as two shadow strikers, especially if Joshua Zirkzee is favoured over Rasmus Hojlund as the centre forward.
Zirkzee likes to drop deeper than Hojlund, creating more space higher up the pitch for the attacking midfielders to run in behind and test the pace of the opposing central defenders.
Bassong praises Mbeumo as “dangerous player”
Speaking to BBC World Service’s Sport, Sebastian Bassong spoke on Mbeumo’s strengths: “His main asset is football IQ. The way he moves himself in the spaces means he can get himself out of situations, out of trouble. He’s not a stubborn player who just runs into people, so that’s what makes him so unpredictable and difficult.
“He’s quick – but when I say quick, I mean the way he moves. He’s always on the move and he’s very resilient to go and hurt people. That’s what makes him a very, very dangerous player.”
The former Tottenham Hotspur player also spoke on where he thinks the Brentford forward will play at Old Trafford: “I see Mbeumo really on the wing because he needs space. I don’t see him being cramped in the middle of the traffic, in the middle of the park, which would be the case if he plays behind the striker.”
“I don’t see him fitting that system from the start but, on the other hand, he’s a very clever player and Ruben Amorim is a very forward-thinking coach. So if he’s really keen on him, he knows exactly where he wants him to fit in his system.
“I think they would have had some conversations. So if he goes there, they’re both going be able to make it work.”
Ugarte set for concerning future
With the two new signings, Fernandes will almost definitely play the majority of the season in the double pivot alongside Casemiro, as Amorim will look to hold more possession in games.
Toby Collyer and Kobbie Mainoo could be next in line for minutes in midfield, as both young players impressed when given a chance. Sekou Kone could also be set for a chance in the first team if he isn’t loaned to Laussane with Enzo Kana-Biyik.
Read More: Second Manchester United target admits Rúben Amorim transfer is a “dream” move after Bryan Mbeumo
Manuel Ugarte could struggle for first-team football next season if Casemiro continues to be favoured over the Uruguayan as he was last season.
Despite playing under Amorim at Sporting CP, Ugarte played most of the season as a backup and he could be set for a move away if this doesn’t change. The Portuguese manager has already sold him once before.
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