Bryan Mbeumo has explained why he does not see competing for places in the starting XI together as a problem amid his move to Manchester United.
Manchester United are set to place a second bid for Bryan Mbeumo this summer as they attempt to prize the Cameroon international away from Brentford.
Rúben Amorim is looking to add major firepower to his front line this summer, with Mbeumo hopefully joining Matheus Cunha in the ranks at Old Trafford ahead of next season.
United have already seen a bid of £45 million plus a further £10 million in add-ons rejected by the London outfit, but are expected to bid a second time, with the Bees wanting a package of around £60 million.
Once United finalise an agreement for Mbeumo, they will focus on sales before bringing in a striker and midfielder.
Mbeumo understands the true nature of competing for places
While the move for Mbeumo is a significant step in the market for United, some have questioned whether the signing of the player, who will be gunning for the right-forward slot, could throw Amad’s future into doubt.
Amad has excelled in the space since Amorim’s arrival and has been a dominant force at Old Trafford over the last six months. However, with Mbeumo joining, the pair will have to compete for the starting spot.
Mbeumo created a fantastic partnership with Yoane Wissa last season, but prior to that, the pair were competing for spaces in Brentford’s front line, with the former often being favoured by manager Thomas Frank.
Speaking on the Obi One Podcast last month, Mbeumo was asked how he dealt with competing with Wissa, despite being teammates and friends. He explained that, as long as any player has a strong mentality, competition between teammates is not something that would create an issue.
“To be honest, as he said, he never really showed that he was pissed, you know, or he was angry,” Mbeumo explained.
“That’s why I told him, because sometimes on interviews they ask us what things did I help him to do and what things did he help me to do.
“I always say this is a mental part, because obviously when he mentioned the part when he didn’t play as much as now, he was always focused, always with a smile, trying to encourage the teammates every time.
“I think this is something big, because I think it’s important that a teammate is not dropping his head, showing he’s angry, because for the group, I don’t think it’s good. It’s something I really appreciate about him.”
Amad is another player who has had to endure a long road to become a United first-team player, and certainly has the type of mentality that Mbeumo refers to, having gone through multiple loan spells and been ousted by Erik ten Hag before Amorim’s arrival.
Versatility also means there will be little issue with competition
Although both players’ natural positions make the right-sided attacking spot in United’s formation the ideal space for Amad and Mbeumo to thrive, both players can also play elsewhere.
Amad has shown himself to be an incredibly threatening right wing-back, having scored and assisted on multiple occasions while playing on the flank.
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As for Mbeumo, he has also stepped up as a striker at points for Brentford, with the pair’s respective versatility showing they would be able to share the pitch with little issue.
A significant issue for United in the two seasons is their lack of attacking flair, with their front line often looking too static.
Amorim having access to both Mbeumo and Amad as options for the right-sided attacking position, as well as respective auxiliary striker and wing-back options, will do wonders to add dynamism to United’s front line.
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