As Manchester United close in on the signing of Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, the 25-year-old forward is emerging as more than just a big-money addition, he may be the perfect tactical piece for new manager Ruben Amorim.
Mbeumo, who scored 20 Premier League goals last season, has developed into one of the league’s most dynamic wide forwards. With Amorim expected to implement his preferred 3‑4‑3 system at Old Trafford, United may have found an ideal fit.
🔥 Mbeumo by the Numbers
- 20 Premier League goals in 2024/25—outperforming his expected goals (xG) by nearly 8.
- 9.26 expected assists (xA)—led all Premier League players last season.
- Fourth-fastest top speed in the league at 36.63 km/h.
- Created 70+ chances and completed 49 successful crosses, with a 24.3% accuracy rate.
- Delivered 7 assists, frequently contributing in transition and from wide areas.
🎯 Where Mbeumo Fits in Amorim’s System
Amorim’s 3‑4‑3 system relies on dynamic wide forwards who press relentlessly, stretch defenses, and cut inside to create scoring chances. Mbeumo does all of that from the right side, making him a near-perfect fit.
According to heat map data from last season, Mbeumo spent the majority of his time operating on the right flank, hugging the touchline, making diagonal runs, and creating overloads in the half space. His movement closely mirrors that of players like Mohamed Salah or Riyad Mahrez in similar systems.
United’s current roster lacks a true right-sided wide forward with end product and high work rate, beyond Amad Diallo. Mbeumo would likely slot in as the starting right winger, with Matheus Cunha (another recent signing) and Rasmus Højlund, or hopefully a much more established new striker signing, rounding out the front three.
💪 Pressing, Pace, and Intelligence
Beyond the numbers, what makes Bryan Mbeumo valuable to Amorim’s United is how he plays without the ball.
Brentford manager Thomas Frank often credited Mbeumo for his relentless pressing from the front. In Amorim’s setup, where the front line is expected to trigger defensive pressure and win the ball back high up the pitch, Mbeumo’s engine becomes a vital asset.
His pace is another game-changer. At 36.63 km/h, he clocked the fourth-fastest sprint in the league last season, evidence of both his athleticism and threat in behind.
⚠️ What Are the Risks?
No signing is without concerns. Mbeumo’s previous Premier League seasons were less efficient in front of goal. In 2021/22, for example, he scored just 4 goals from 9.3 xG, raising questions about consistency.
He’s also most effective on the right wing. United must avoid the temptation to rotate him across the front line or play him centrally, where his impact diminishes.
Lastly, with United reportedly preparing to spend over £60 million to land him, expectations will be high. This is a player coming from a mid-table Brentford side, not the Champions League.
✅ The Verdict
If deployed correctly, Bryan Mbeumo could be a masterstroke.
His profile, clinical finishing, blistering pace, high defensive work rate, makes him one of the few Premier League forwards tailor-made for Amorim’s 3‑4‑3. His addition alongside Cunha could offer United a more modern, aggressive attacking identity.
For a club searching for balance, intensity, and tactical clarity, Mbeumo might just be the key that unlocks it.
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