Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo has scored six goals in 12 appearances since his summer transfer from Brentford
Bryan Mbeumo celebrates scoring his latest goal for Manchester United
Bryan Mbeumo celebrates scoring his latest goal for Manchester United(Image: Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images)
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Manchester United supporters were tearing their hair out during the summer as the Bryan Mbeumo transfer threatened to turn into a saga.
The Reds have become no strangers to a saga during a window. The name Frenkie de Jong still makes fans wince.
But there was hope United had managed to learn the lessons of the past - initially. On the first day of the transfer window, the Reds welcomed Matheus Cunha to Old Trafford.
This was a refreshing change of pace. Cunha was a player who strengthened the squad immediately and was ready to hit the ground running.
Targeting Mbeumo next was another green light for the club. However, the lack of a release clause in his contract at Brentford became a problem for the Reds.
What followed was a period of tough negotiations with the Bees and United's next incoming did not arrive until moments before the start of the summer tour. Mbeumo only wanted a move to Old Trafford, a fact which led to the Reds becoming annoyed with their Premier League rivals, but there was no guarantee that once he was signed - he would be the right fit.
Arriving at that stage of the transfer window can be difficult. There is a lot of transition for a player - new teammates, new manager, new city - never mind the upheaval of flying to America for a pre-season tour at short notice.
Mbeumo only made his United debut in the third and final match of the tour against Everton, far from ideal preparation. And yet, unlike so many new signings at Old Trafford in recent years, the Cameroonian has managed to hit the ground running.
The 26-year-old is one of only four players who have started every United Premier League game this season. He is also the only new signing to accomplish that feat this season and it is difficult to remember a player joining the Reds and slotting in so seamlessly.
He has six goals in 12 appearances and is on track to at least match his record of 20 that he bagged for Brentford last season. This is the sort of impact that United have not had from a new signing in years. Antony's bright start soon petered out and there are too many new signings to count who have struggled from the first minute and never recovered.
Matthijs de Ligt took time to adjust to the Premier League before we saw what he is truly capable of this season. Looking back, it is perhaps not since Zlatan Ibrahimovic that a player has arrived at Old Trafford and instantly started performing.
Of course, when his time at United inevitably finishes, Mbeumo will not be judged on his start at Old Trafford but his entire career. But the signs are good and if he continues at this level, he would be one of a handful of successful purchases over the last few years.