In a world of transfers with so many unknowns, buying a player who is coming off a 20-goal season in the Premier League is as close to a success guarantee as it can possibly get.
That’s what Man Utd are getting with Bryan Mbeumo, with his seamless fit in the system, model professional nature, and consistency setting him apart.
Not many will be expecting the same level of output from Mbeumo that he achieved at Brentford, since he’s coming into a new system, a new team, and a new club after six years.
However, besides those changes, Ruben Amorim has been told that there is one big factor that will dictate Mbeumo’s ceiling at Man Utd.
Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty ImagesNeil Warnock on Bryan Mbeumo’s Man Utd move
Mbeumo’s quality is not under any discussion, as he has continued to go up a level each season, a trend Man Utd will hope continues in 2025/26.
He’s rarely injured, plays multiple positions, has had a breakout season, and will enter the theoretical peak of a footballer’s career soon.
On the surface, all the tangible criteria are ticked emphatically, but one intangible has been the cause of doom for many before him.
Neil Warnock, speaking on Talksport, said that Mbeumo is a good player, but his time at Old Trafford will be dictated by how well he can adjust to the pressure of wearing the famed jersey.
Coming from humble beginnings at Troyes in the French second division, Mbeumo joined a Championship side and kept flying under the radar at Brentford as the likes of Ivan Toney stole the headlines.
It all changes now.
Warnock said: “I think he’s a good player. I just think that he’s been playing for Brentford. No disrespect to Brentford, but that’s not a Man Utd.
“I don’t think he’s come up against the pressures that he’s going to face at Old Trafford. I don’t think you realise that as a player [until you join]. It’s a great club, fantastic club, but they are a club in trouble.”
Bryan Mbeumo has made all the right noises
It goes without saying that the true answer to Warnock’s question will only come to light once Mbeumo has played a few games for United.
However, in the meantime, he has made all the right noises. From admiring the view of Old Trafford and confidently claiming that he’s ready, to enjoying playing against Man Utd in his Brentford appearances, he’s a player who relishes the spotlight.
Of course, the manner of that spotlight changes when you play for Man Utd and have to prove yourself daily, instead of being a player who comes up against United about twice every season and plays like a cup final.
Ultimately, that will decide the fate of Mbeumo’s career at Old Trafford. He’s got the talking part down perfectly. Now comes the execution.