Ruben Amorim has been instructed to use Bryan Mbeumo as a central striker if Manchester United sign him this summer. That is the wish of Red Devils hero Louis Saha, whose Champions League crown and pair of Premier League titles prove that he knows what it takes to be a game-changer at the top end of the pitch.
Mbeumo operated primarily off the right wing for Brentford last season. His power, directness and clinical finishing paid dividends for manager Thomas Frank as the Cameroon international racked up 20 Premier League goals. But with Amorim's set-up consisting of two No. 10s behind the striker, and the fact Mbeumo can also operate as the focal point, exactly where he could be deployed is still up for debate.
Saha, who scored 42 goals in 124 games for United between 2004 and 2008, believes that Mbeumo would be best utilised up top because he is not an out-and-out No. 9.
"[He should be] a central striker," the Frenchman told Express Sport in association BetSelect. "There’s big competition on the right side. What I want to see, especially with the type of players that we have, is a striker on top, but still a lot of movement [from him].
"Those two on the side can switch over and become a threat from a different formation. Those guys need to be flexible. They should not be complaining about playing on the left or the right.
"It's about scoring goals. It's about creating chances, getting the momentum, and putting pressure on the opposition. Mbeumo can do that. His physique is unbelievable. His dedication to the game and his team has been proven."
Amorim taking Saha up on his advice would have positive consequences for Man Utd stars Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes. They were the pair most commonly used on the right wing last season, and Mbeumo's prospective arrival risked seeing them either shifted into a different position or, in Amad's case, dropped altogether.
But if Mbeumo forms the tip of United's attack, the coveted right-wing spot will remain open. For this to be a consideration, United still need to fend off Tottenham in the race for Mbeumo's signature.
The Red Devils looked to be in pole position when they tabled a £55m bid earlier this month. But the offer was rejected and ex-Brentford boss Frank went on to join Spurs, who are reportedly now trying to hijack the deal.