Bryan Mbeumo scored arguably the most pleasing tactical set-piece routine against Spurs, but it stemmed from a failed training ground secret.
Manchester United were sent on their merry way against Spurs courtesy of Bryan Mbeumo’s first-half goal via a beautifully constructed set-piece.
Bruno Fernandes passed it to Kobbie Mainoo, who released it first-time to Mbeumo on the edge of the box.
Who was your Manchester United man of the match against Spurs?
The forward just passed the ball into the net amid a sea of bodies in the box, and United broke the deadlock against ten-man Spurs.
Bryan Mbeumo of Manchester United scores their 1st goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on February 7, 2026
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Bryan Mbeumo’s ‘failed’ training ground secret
It was clear from how the set-piece developed that it was one straight from the training ground, as every player was on the same wavelength.
Harry Maguire occupied the defender on the far side to create space for Mbeumo. Mainoo rushed to show for the ball, and Mbeumo knew what he was going to do.
However, according to the goalscorer himself, the final part of the routine is what he kept failing at during training.
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After the game, Mbeumo revealed the failing training ground secret that led him to be extra cautious with the shot.
He said [to MUTV]: “The goal was straight out of the training ground, but it didn’t work out there. I just put the ball over the fences!
“Today was the most important. It’s not an easy ball to play, a lot of spin, bounced a little bit. I just tried to secure it, don’t try to put too much power as I did in training. It worked out this time.”
Mbeumo has a decisive knack for making an impact
For far too long, United have bemoaned the lack of impact-makers in the squad because they’ve had players who’d play well, but miss the decisive moment.
10 goals already… how many will Bryan Mbeumo end up with this season?
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In contrast, Mbeumo is quickly emerging as a player whose general level of play might be frustrating at times, but he always comes up with the goods.
Against Spurs as well, he wasn’t the most dangerous attacker with the ball, but when the ball fell to him at an opportune time, he made it count.
Furthermore, he had the presence of mind in that instant to recall his training ground failure and used it as a learning curve to do things right when it mattered.
Man Utd fans have heard for far too long that the “training is good,” but the players can’t convert it into winning performances on a matchday.
It feels good to finally have a player who used training to flourish when the lights are the brightest.
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