Bryan Mbeumo extended his lead as Manchester United’s top scorer when he found the back of the net against Manchester City in the derby.
In his first match since returning from AFCON, Bryan Mbeumo started up front for Manchester United as they beat Manchester City 2-0 in the Premier League.
Mbeumo fit perfectly into Michael Carrick’s game plan, and he capitalised on a lightning-quick counter-attack to give United a well-deserved lead.
Describe your reaction when Bryan Mbeumo scored…
What a moment!
Bryan Mbeumo scores for United
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It was the eighth goal scored by Mbeumo this season, extending his lead over Bruno Fernandes as United’s top scorer in 2025/26.
Mbeumo was part of United’s attacking overhaul in the summer, and he is proving to be a major upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund.
Bryan Mbeumo celebrates with teammate Amad Diallo during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford in 2026 in Manchester, England.
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Bryan Mbeumo is already beating Rasmus Hojlund figures
Hojlund only scored four goals for United in the 2024/25 season in what was a hugely underwhelming campaign for the Danish striker.
Mbeumo has already surpassed that figure this season in just 17 league appearances, and he is also having a much bigger impact in the final third.
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As per the official Premier League statistics, Hojlund only completed 82 touches in the opposition box in the entirety of the 2024/25 season.
Now they are both back, how can Amad and Bryan Mbeumo both fit into Michael Carrick’s starting XI?
Let us know how you would line the team up…
Amad/Mbeumo training
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Mbeumo has already surpassed that figure this season, taking 84 touches in the opposition box – the most of any United player this campaign.
Hojlund also only attempted 25 shots in 2024/25. Mbeumo has already attempted 39 shots for United this season.
Bryan Mbeumo may become Man United’s regular striker
Under Ruben Amorim, Mbeumo played on the right of his 3-4-2-1 system which made space for Amad Diallo at wing-back and Benjamin Sesko up front.
But Carrick has reverted to a 4-2-3-1 formation at United, meaning Mbeumo and Amad are now competing for one position on the right flank.
READ MORE: Bryan Mbeumo is starting to do something which Man Utd only expected from Bruno Fernandes
Against City, it was Sesko who dropped to the bench and Mbeumo played centrally. Moving forward, that could be a regular feature under Carrick.
Carrick’s choice will likely depend on the opponent. If United need to break down a low-block defence, the aerial threat of Sesko could prove useful. If the Red Devils are looking to counter-attack, Mbeumo has already proven he is lethal in those situations.
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