Why Mbeumo can be the main man at Brentford

Friday 26 September 2025 22:30

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim believes Bryan Mbeumo has the character to deal with pressure situations, which he can show again on Saturday.

The Cameroon international returns to Brentford's Gtech Community Stadium for the first time since leaving the Bees for Old Trafford in the summer, and will be keen to do well at his old stomping ground.

After landing our first Player of the Month award, the classy forward has continued to impress and it was his dynamic run through on goal that led to Robert Sanchez's red card in our 2-1 victory against Chelsea last time out.

While hopefully receiving a warm reception from the home fans, in recognition of his efforts in the red-and-white stripes, Mbeumo is capable of coming to the fore when it matters most.

For the boss, the recent recruit is obviously not affected by United's poor form in the Premier League last term, so he is able to operate with full confidence.

Part two: Press conference v Brentford Video

Part two: Press conference v Brentford

PRESS CONFERENCE PART TWO | Ruben is asked about Mbeumo, tweaks to match preparation and more…

"If you look at Bryan, in those moments when we are struggling, you feel a different guy compared to the rest of the team," admitted Amorim.

"And that is, you have to understand, some of the guys are here for a while, and that feeling is still here. And for that, we need to win games. Simple.

"He went to pre-season in America, that was really good for us to bond with him in America. He had time to start slowly with 45 minutes, he had time to prepare the season.

"Again, I knew the player. I watched the player so many times. I watched him live against us last year, [though] it was not a good day for us."

Amorim said it was not that one particular display from Mbeumo, who helped the south-west Londoners win 4-3 in early May, that convinced him to sign the forward.

However, his overall quality, especially out of possession, ensured he would be a top target and Ruben totally understands why Brentford were reluctant to sell such an asset in the summer.

"It was not that performance," stated the boss. "But [it] helped me to understand that he's a very good player, not [just] with the ball, without the ball. And when you see that live, it’s completely different.

"When you see a guy doing that, with all due respect, it's not because he’s in Manchester United. He was in Brentford, he was sometimes defending as a right-back. So, that was really important to have that feeling live. And if I'm the owner of Brentford, I will do the same, to keep the best players and try to sell the best players for big amounts. So, I completely understand that situation.”

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