Manchester United played Everton in a friendly match before the season started, but everyone was watching Bryan Mbeumo, their new summer addition, and he did not let them down.
The Cameroon international made his first appearance in a United shirt and put on a great show that impressed both spectators and the media. The Manchester Evening News gave him a positive review, saying his debut was “far beyond expectations.”
Exciting First Touches Set the Mood
Mbeumo was already turning heads just five minutes into the game. Amad Diallo sent a superb through-ball to Matheus Cunha, but he couldn’t take advantage of it. But what stood out was Mbeumo’s involvement in the play before it happened, his first two touches in a United shirt.
He got the ball under pressure, rapidly moved forward, and made a brilliantly timed pass that put Bruno Fernandes in space. The audience at Old Trafford quickly broke into applause, which isn’t something you hear very frequently for a debutant’s first touches.
The Manchester Evening News said, “His confidence, vision, and aggression in those first few minutes didn’t look like someone playing their first game for the club.”
A Clever Creator and Constant Threat
Mbeumo was on the right side of United’s two-attacking-midfield setup, but he wasn’t standing still. He always moved into the middle and left sides of the field to connect plays and create overloads. In one of these moments, his exquisite through-pass sent Amad through on goal, giving United a penalty kick. This was a significant turning point in the first half.
It wasn’t simply the help. In the 33rd minute, Mbeumo made a smooth dribble to get away from his marker, which made the crowd scream. He moved smartly, touched the ball with confidence, and had an unexpectedly good connection with his colleagues, especially Bruno and Cunha, for someone new to the team.
Mbeumo was involved in almost every severe attack United had in the first half, from deep in midfield to the last third. He moved well off the ball and knew where he was on the field, as if he had been playing in Erik ten Hag’s system for years.
Sharp Shooting, Team Ethic, and Defensive Grit
Mbeumo didn’t score, but he came close three times. All of his first-half shots were on target, but some excellent goalkeeping stopped them. United fans have been begging their midfielders to be willing to shoot when they have the chance, and he is exactly what they want.
But it wasn’t just about style and offensive play. Mbeumo often dropped back to help the midfield during both the build-up and defensive phases. The coaches on the sidelines praised him for his work ethic and willingness to press or track back.
Ten Hag chose to take him out early in the second half to keep him healthy. Young Dorgu took his place. But by that time, Mbeumo had already created a name for himself.
Cunha Yet to Find His Rhythm
Sadly for United, not all of their new players are adjusting as well. Matheus Cunha has played in three preseason games so far, and he still doesn’t seem to be in sync. The former Wolves attacker missed a few clear chances and didn’t seem to know where he was supposed to be for the whole game.
After the game, Cunha had the lowest rating of any of United’s starters, which is very different from the high praise Mbeumo got. It’s evident that he still needs time to get used to the team’s tactical system, even though his physical presence and speed are clear.
A New Fan Favourite in the Making?
People on social media were praising Mbeumo after the last whistle. One fan wrote, “He plays like he’s been here for years.” Another person said, “If this is how he plays in friendlies, just wait for the Premier League!”
Of course, it’s still early, but Bryan Mbeumo’s first game makes it look like he could be one of the best things United has done in a long time. The 2025/26 season could be his big year in red if he gets more playing time and continues to fit in with the team.
