The Cameroonian forward stakes his claim for a central role after a clinical double in Sweden, leaving Michael Carrick with a welcome tactical dilemma ahead of the new season.
What is Bryan Mbeumo's best position under Michael Carrick?
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Manchester United's third pre-season game saw a strong 2-1 win over Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid thanks to a brace from Bryan Mbeumo in the Strawberry Arena in Sweden's capital.
After initially going 1-0 down thanks to a cross from Arnau Ortiz found the far corner, United's following 80 minutes were very convincing. Mbeumo's first came from the penalty spot after the tricky feet from Shea Lacey drew a foul with 52 minutes played.
The second came in the 74th minute after superb anticipation from Jack Fletcher pouncing onto a loose pass, driving to the byline where Mbeumo got enough on the ball to hand United the lead.
The Cameroonian played the first 73 minutes as Michael Carrick's selected number nine in the absence of Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha. Mbeumo registered the joint most shots of anyone on the pitch and the introduction of Joshua Zirkzee from the bench saw Mbeumo move back to a wider position.
Following the game, discussion over Mbeumo's favoured position has grown particularly with the emergence of Lacey on the wing and the re-integration of Amad into the squad following his World Cup campaign with Côte d'Ivoire.
Mbeumo Speaks Out On Preferred Position
After the full time whistle sounded, Mbeumo explained his standpoint on what position he finds himself most suited to under Carrick.
He revealed, "I can't really choose! Obviously, I've done some great things on the right wing, but also some good things at striker...
"I'm more experienced on the wing, so maybe this, but I enjoy playing striker [too]..."
Mbeumo was initially signed in the summer of 2025 after scoring 20 league goals for Thomas Frank's Brentford as their right winger. A first season at Old Trafford saw the 26-year-old being used in multiple positions after injury issues. Eleven league goals later and the forward has shown his importance to the squad, scoring in big games and providing the adaptability needed.
Versatility is proving to be an essential asset of Michael Carrick's squad with today's game being an indication of how United intend on playing. The signing of Andrey Santos is a clear sign of this, with the young Brazilian proving vital with line breaking passes thanks to rotational runs between the front line.
This allowed United to find pockets of space where the technical ability of the likes of Lacey, Mbeumo and Zirkzee proved to be damaging to defences.
Shea Lacey’s electric footwork and Bryan Mbeumo’s clinical finishing rescued a draw in Sweden as Manchester United’s tactical fluidity and technical dominance overwhelmed the Spanish giants.roundtable.ioMan Utd 2-1 Atletico Madrid: Five Things Learnt As Star's Position Under Question
Shea Lacey’s electric footwork and Bryan Mbeumo’s clinical finishing rescued a draw in Sweden as Manchester United’s tactical fluidity and technical dominance overwhelmed the Spanish giants.
Carrick's Big Decision Next Season
Heading into the 2026/27 Premier League season, Carrick has the headache of deciding who plays best in those forward positions, with Lacey getting his foot through the door of the first team, Amad coming back from an impressive World Cup display and Mbeumo seeming the most senior and reliable option.
Concerns over United's need for another striker to back up Sesko have also grown, but Mbeumo's preseason performances leading the line up top may be the reassurance that the fanbase needed.
United face European Champions Paris Saint Germain in their next preseason tie. A game which will throw a new test at Michael Carrick with the assumption that they will not be dictating the play and setting the tempo with possession.
Mbeumo would likely be the preferred option up front over Zirkzee with his athleticism and energy much needed against a confident Parisian side.