Bryan Mbeumo went off during Manchester United's 3-1 win over Aston Villa, with the forward seen shaking his head at team-mate Diogo Dalot when leaving the pitch
Bryan Mbeumo sat down on the pitch while grimacing during a Manchester United match against Aston Villa at Old Trafford
Bryan Mbeumo sat down on the Old Trafford pitch before being substituted(Image: OLI SCARFF, AFP via Getty Images)
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Gary Neville expressed concerns over a potential injury to Bryan Mbeumo after seeing him 'shaking his head' and speaking to Diogo Dalot following his substitution during Manchester United's 3-1 victory over Aston Villa at Old Trafford. Benjamin Sesko was brought on as a replacement for the 26-year-old and netted United's third goal of the match as they continued their fine form.
Mbeumo has gone off in each of United's previous three games. However, he was hobbling on this occasion while walking off the pitch.
The forward also appeared to exchange words with Dalot as he exited the pitch. Neville picked up on this interaction with his team-mate whilst working as a co-commentator for the match on Sky Sports.
Neville said: "Is he injured? Is he limping, Mbeumo? He was shaking his head when he walked off and looked at one of the United players as if he might be carrying something."
Mbeumo's body language will no doubt be a bit of a worry for United and Carrick. The forward now hasn't scored for United in his last five Premier League matches, but has arguably been their standout performer this season.
United were leading 2-1 at that point, with Mbeumo replaced five minutes after Matheus Cunha had restored their advantage. Casemiro had given the hosts an early second-half lead before Ross Barkley levelled for Villa in controversial circumstances, with Amadou Onana narrowly avoiding a VAR decision against him.
Sesko then added United's third and final goal within five minutes of coming on for Mbeumo. They maintained control of the game from that point, with Manuel Ugarte replacing Casemiro for the final stages.
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville speaks
Gary Neville spotted Bryan Mbeumo shaking his head(Image: Lewis Storey, Getty Images)
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Mbeumo has featured in every fixture under Michael Carrick, with the opening match he oversaw coinciding with the Cameroon international's return from the Africa Cup of Nations. Nevertheless, he went off in all but one of those encounters.
Mbeumo eventually completed the full 90 minutes away to West Ham United, setting up Sesko's 96th-minute leveller. The duo also linked up once more for the solitary strike in United's 1-0 victory over Everton before he limped off seven minutes afterwards, being replaced by Noussair Mazraoui.
It prompted uncertainty about his availability against Crystal Palace, but he started and played 85 minutes before Zirkzee entered the fray again. Carrick also made the identical substitution in their 2-1 loss to Newcastle United.
Their next fixture is on Friday evening, with a shorter-than-usual gap before next week's journey to Bournemouth. Mbeumo appears to be an early concern for that one.
However, that represents their final match before the international break, meaning United do not play again until 13 April. Consequently, if Mbeumo does miss out on the south coast, there is a fortnight for him to recuperate before Carrick has to rely on him again.
Sunday's triumph, meanwhile, saw United strengthen their hold on a Champions League spot. Carrick's side now sit comfortably in third place and crucially, three points above fifth position.