Manchester United had one standout player in the loss to City, and it bodes well for the future.
Playing for Manchester United is a big mental test for players. We have seen talented footballers sign for the club and retreat into a shell of themselves.
The pressure at United is immense, and that’s why recruitment is about trying to find players with the right mentality to succeed.
Amid a busy recent transfer window, one player in particular already looks like he will be a success, displaying some positive traits.
Bryan Mbeumo in Manchester United shirt
Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images
Bryan Mbeumo stands out in defeat
Manchester United’s 3-0 derby loss to City was the type of game that can make or break players.
It was a chastening experience for the new signings, and one that Bryan Mbeumo passed, by displaying his sheer persistence.
Mbeumo was the one Manchester United player who looked threatening, and he was unlucky not to score a superb volley.
The former Brentford star actually got better and better as the game went on, and became fuelled by a desire to try and cut United’s deficit.
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United had 12 total shots at goal, with Mbeumo responsible for four of them. He was a livewire who consistently asked questions of the City defence.
Mbeumo has shown promise already
Manchester United have now won only one of four Premier League games, drawing one and losing two. And you can throw in an embarrassing Carabao Cup exit to Grimsby Town for good measure.
United need a big performance and positive result next weekend at home to Chelsea, and already we can say we should get a solid contribution from Mbeumo.
The Cameroon international has scored two goals for United already, while winning the club’s Player of the Month Award.
His performance against City demonstrated that Mbeumo is going to fight to improve the team’s standings. He is playing like a player who turned down several clubs to sign for United.
With fellow new signing Benjamin Sesko struggling to make an impact, and Matheus Cunha out with an injury, Mbeumo is an important guiding light.