Manchester United have been left trying to find the positives after a defeat in the derby to City.
After a derby loss to Manchester City, Manchester United are back in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
It is early days, but the optimism from pre-season is running out quickly, with just one win from four league games.
Bryan Mbeumo praised by John O’Shea
Manchester United’s best player in the defeat to City was Bryan Mbeumo, who was a persistent threat throughout.
Mbeumo was unfortunate not to get on the scoresheet. His hard work did not pay off against City, but he showed traits that bode well for the future.
His efforts impressed former Manchester United defender John O’Shea, who was impressed by Mbeumo’s quality and commitment. He also referenced his volley that was saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
O’Shea told MUTV: “That intensity that he can bring, driving at players, picking up positions. The technique he shows for this [shot] was top class.”
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“His recoveries as well, his intensity and work rate to get the ball back.
“He’s going to be needed this season massively, for his quality in possession and out of possession, for how the manager wants to play in terms of the front three working for the team.”
One of the reasons United dispensed with the services of Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho was concerns over their lack of work off the ball, and it is good to see Mbeumo contributing positively in this area.
Bryan Mbeumo controls the ball for Manchester United
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Danny Webber also impressed by Bryan Mbeumo
Fellow MUTV pundit Danny Webber also praised Bryan Mbeumo’s combination of effort and attitude.
He said: “I loved Bryan Mbeumo. You could see the disappointment in his face that he didn’t score a goal, but he kept going and trying to make something happen.
“It wasn’t his day today, but in terms of what you want is somebody who’s got the courage to keep trying. Bryan stood out for me.”
This was the second time in four matches this season that Manchester United have failed to score, following the 1-0 loss against Arsenal on the opening day of the season.
Mbeumo has scored twice this season, one in the win over Burnley and one in the Carabao Cup loss to Grimsby, and so far he has made the biggest impact of the club’s summer signings.