The Manchester United forward was in World Cup qualifying action for Cameroon on Thursday night but suffered late heartbreak
Bryan Mbeumo during a Manchester United game
Man United star Bryan Mbeumo was in World Cup qualifying action for Cameroon on Thursday night
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Manchester United star Bryan Mbeumo publicly showed his disappointment after Cameroon’s failure to qualify for the World Cup.
The African side were in play-off action on Thursday night, knowing that only a win would keep them in with a chance of playing in this summer’s tournament in North America.
Mbeumo was in the starting line-up for Cameroon as they took on DR Congo in Morocco. The two teams couldn’t be separated until the 91st minute of the game.
That’s when Chancel Mbemba snuck in at the back post to put the ball past United loanee Andre Onana and spark wild DR Congo celebrations, leaving Cameroon's players heartbroken.
The result means that DR Congo will face Nigeria in the final with the winners going on to play in the World Cup this summer.
Following Cameroon’s defeat, Mbeumo couldn’t hide his disappointment. Clips shared on social media show the United forward clearly frustrated making his way down the tunnel on his own, only stopping briefly to share a quick handshake with a member of the coaching team.
Mbeumo is now expected to return to United and start preparations for the Premier League clash against Everton after the international break.
The 26-year-old has been a standout player for United so far this season, winning the Premier League player of the month award for October. In his last four Premier League games, he has scored four times, including the opener against Tottenham in United’s last outing.
While Cameroon and Mbeumo may not be taking part in the World Cup, in a blow for United, they will be part of the Africa Cup of Nations which start next month. The tournament takes place between December 21 and January 18, meaning that he could miss as many as six Premier League games.
The tournament will also see United lose Amad, who is expected to represent the Ivory Coast.
"We are going to struggle a little bit, but we already knew it's going to be an opportunity,” manager Ruben Amorim said on missing both players. “When I watch the training, there are players that should be playing.
"But it's hard with one game to take some players from the team, because they are doing well also during the training in games. So other players are going to have the opportunity to help us.
"They are understanding the way we want to play, so if we are improving on that, the change of characteristics is not going to change the idea or the momentum of the team. But let's use Amad and Bryan in these games and we will see in general."
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