After scoring in Manchester United’s 2-0 win over rivals Manchester City, Bryan Mbeumo reflected on the game and spoke about all the changes that happened while he was away at AFCON.
Manchester United turned in an outstanding performance at Old Trafford to record a 2–0 Premier League victory over Manchester City, with Michael Carrick’s side in control throughout.
From the opening whistle, United pressed aggressively, putting City under immediate pressure. Bryan Mbeumo threatened early, while Harry Maguire came close to opening the scoring when his header struck the crossbar.
The hosts dominated the first half and thought they had goals through Amad and Bruno Fernandes, only for both efforts to be ruled out for offside. United continued to push after the restart, but were twice denied by Gianluigi Donnarumma, who produced fine saves to keep out Casemiro and later Mbeumo.
Mbeumo finally broke the deadlock on 65 minutes with a calm, clinical finish. United sealed the result ten minutes later as Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu converted from a move sparked by substitute Matheus Cunha, confirming a deserved three points.
Mbeumo reflects on the changes at the club
Bryan Mbeumo departed for the Africa Cup of Nations with Cameroon following United’s 4-4 draw against Bournemouth on 15 December, and exactly three weeks later, Ruben Amorim was sacked after his explosive press conference following the draw with Leeds.
Speaking after the game, Mbeumo reflected on his performance against United’s rivals and spoke about the changes he saw after returning to Carrington.
On the changes at the club since he left last month, he said: “When I came back, a lot of things changed. I think we have a very good group. We always stick together. We have a fantastic unit, so it is unbelievable.
“It is a bit of everything. It is not easy because we only had three days. Because we are all together, we all want to win the same way with the same aim.”
When asked whether he thinks this is his most special day at the club since joining, he said: “I think it’s one of them. Scoring in front of this stand is unbelievable. Derby is even more, and like Licha [Martinez] said, we used the energy of the fans today. This place was unbelievable today.”
Mbeumo and Amad’s return from AFCON was crucial
Towards the back end of December, Manchester United’s squad was extremely thin, with the absences of Amad and Mbeumo, as well as injuries to Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes, meaning United struggled with attacking output during Amorim’s tenure at the club.
From the start of the season, Mbeumo and Amad’s chemistry down the right flank has been pivotal in the club’s attack, with most of the dangerous attacks coming down that flank and was sorely missed while the pair were representing their respective nations at AFCON.
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With the pair linking up once again down Manchester City’s right side, their connection looked as strong as it has ever been, interchanging with each other brilliantly throughout the game. Mbeumo in particular impressed.
Lining up as United’s striker, his dogged work rate and smart movement pulled defenders out of position on a number of occasions, creating goal-scoring opportunities for the rest of the side, and he was unlucky not to score more than one on the afternoon, with Donnarumma saving well from a volley.
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