Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo has been on a downward spiral recently in terms of his performances, leaving Michael Carrick with decisions to make.
It was another disappointing display from Bryan Mbeumo on Wednesday night as he failed to contribute as Manchester United lost 2-1 against Newcastle.
Despite having two big chances to score, Mbeumo’s performance was quiet, failing to really impact the match, which is unlike him in a big away fixture.
The Cameroonian’s poor display is the latest in a long line of underwhelming displays. Mbeumo offers little outside of goals and assists, proving detrimental to the function of the team.
With his struggles persisting, Michael Carrick now has a decision to make, and there are two options for the interim head coach.
Bryan Mbeumo set to take a corner for Manchester United.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Who was Manchester United’s most disappointing player vs Newcastle?
Newcastle United v Manchester United - Premier League
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Drop Bryan Mbeumo and bring Amad in
Mbeumo was really poor off the right against Newcastle, with Lewis Hall showing his class at left-back to handle the United winger with ease.
Mbeumo’s struggles on the right stem from a lack of support from the right-back, with little overlapping action making United’s number 19 quite easy to mark out of the game.
More United News
So with Mbeumo being ineffective, Carrick could opt for Amad to play in his place on the right, adding more width and proper winger play opposed to an inside forward.
Amad vs Bryan Mbeumo 25/26
Per 90 Amad Mbeumo
Goals 0.1 0.4
Assists 0.1 0.13
Successful crosses 0.52 1.32
Crossing % 35% 33.7%
Chances created 1.86 1.67
Successful dribbles 1.71 0.61
This would give United more balance in attack, and more creativity given Amad’s ability to take on defenders and make things happen.
Carrick has spoken glowingly about Amad and now he is exactly what United need to turn this run of performances around.
Amad might not boast the goals of Mbeumo, but the balance he gives United makes him a must start immediately.
What is the reason behind Bryan Mbeumo’s form for Manchester United?
He's not been at his best recently😳
Bryan Mbeumo looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford in 2026 in Manchester, England.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Revert to Bryan Mbeumo up front and Benjamin Sesko on bench
If Carrick doesn’t plan on dropping Mbeumo, then the right move would be to put him back in the position he was impressing in previously, up front.
This would see Benjamin Sesko back on the bench, however, this is potentially the plan anyway for the upcoming games against Aston Villa, Chelsea and Liverpool.
Mbeumo had two goals and an assist in three games as a striker under Carrick, an impact he has failed to have when played from right wing.
Having struggled on the ball as a winger, Mbeumo is better running in behind than with his back to goal, so it is better to play him to his strengths.
Either of these decisions would make United a better team and Carrick needs to decide which way he will go against Villa.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox