Bryan Mbeumo has been in fine form for Manchester United since the arrival of Michael Carrick, with the former midfielder taking a different approach to Ruben Amorim with the forward
13:38, 28 Jan 2026
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 17: Manchester United head coach / manager Michael Carrick and Bryan Mbeumo of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on January 17, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
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Bryan Mbeumo is enjoying a new role under Michael Carrick (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA, Getty Images)
Michael Carrick has completely torn up Ruben Amorim's blueprint for Bryan Mbeumo just days after taking over from the former Manchester United manager.
The ex-midfielder was handed the reins until the end of the campaign earlier this month. Carrick has enjoyed the perfect beginning, securing victories in both of his opening fixtures against Manchester City and Arsenal. One of his standout success stories has been the performances of summer signing Mbeumo.
The Cameroon international found the net against both City and the Gunners, bringing his seasonal tally to nine strikes across all competitions since his switch from Premier League counterparts Brentford. Despite his form remaining relatively consistent since Carrick's arrival, the former Middlesbrough boss appears to be taking a markedly different tactical approach with his expectations for the attacker.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 25: Bryan Mbeumo of Manchester United celebrates scoring a goal to make the score 1-1 with Amad (L) during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 25, 2026 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Mbeumo has scored in both of Carrick's first two games as manager(Image: Ash Donelon, Manchester United via Getty Images)
According to ESPN, previous manager Amorim was eager to exploit Mbeumo's adaptability by deploying him across multiple positions along the attacking line. However, Carrick has favoured positioning the forward more centrally, whilst granting him freedom to drift.
Amad and Patrick Dorgu are positioned to support him on the wings, with Bruno Fernandes operating as the creative hub. That strategy may now require some adjustment with Dorgu facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, after sustaining an injury during the Arsenal clash.
When asked about the changes under Carrick's management, Bryan Mbeumo revealed: "A bit of everything. Training is different, mentality is different. We know we only have one aim and one way to go, so we have to do everything to do it.
Michael Carrick
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Michael Carrick has enjoyed a brilliant start to life with Manchester United(Image: Getty Images)
"Every manager has his own character and thinks differently and the manager obviously knows the club very well because he's a legend here as a player, everyone wants to try and do their best as well."
Meanwhile, legendary Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has been singing Mbeumo's praises, stating: "I saw exactly what I thought about this player against Arsenal, it's Mbeumo. I think in terms of movement, he's very intelligent.
"He's got this flair in front of the goal. He's very good in terms of assists as well. I love his work rate. I love his behaviour on the pitch, technically, mentally as well. But more importantly, I like his movement, the link with his players all the time.
"He brings something different up front. He's not that physical, but in the meantime, he puts everything he has on the pitch. But I love him because he's very intelligent.
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"When I saw Manchester United buy him in the last transfer market, I thought, this is a good bargain."
Mbeumo will be looking to continue his impressive recent form this weekend as United strive for a top-four spot. The Red Devils are set to host Fulham at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.