Manchester United’s striker, Bryan Mbeumo, is not living up to the hype.
Bryan Mbeumo has come under fire for his recent form, putting Michael Carrick under pressure to make a call on his place in the starting line-up.
Mbeumo had another quiet night as Manchester United fell 2-1 to Newcastle, missing a couple of good chances and struggling to get involved in the game – something that hasn’t been typical of him, especially in bigger matches.
The Cameroonian’s game outside of goals and assists hasn’t really picked up either, making it harder for him to justify his place when he isn’t scoring or setting up chances. His lack of involvement is starting to stand out more and more.
With Mbeumo’s struggles now becoming a trend rather than a blip, Michael Carrick is facing a decision about whether to keep backing him or look at other options. There are two clear paths forward for the interim boss.
Amad Should Start Over Bryan Mbeumo
Mbeumo struggled to make an impact on the right against Newcastle, while Lewis Hall kept him under control throughout the match.
Some of Mbeumo’s problems on that flank have come down to a lack of support from the full-back, with very few overlapping runs giving him little space to operate in.
Given how little effect he had, Carrick might be better off turning to Amad on the right. He’d bring more width and play as a proper winger, rather than cutting inside like Mbeumo tends to do.
That switch could help balance out United’s attack and add more creativity, especially since Amad is more willing to take on defenders one-on-one.
Carrick has been positive about Amad before, and right now, his style might be what United need to get back on track.
Amad may not have Mbeumo’s goal record, but his overall play could bring better balance and more attacking options for United going forward.
Carrick’s striker dilemma: stick with Mbeumo or revert to Sesko?
Should Carrick decide to keep Mbeumo in the line-up, shifting him back to his old position up front would be the obvious move.
That would mean Benjamin Sesko dropping to the bench, which could be on the cards anyway with upcoming fixtures against Aston Villa, Chelsea and Liverpool on the horizon.
Mbeumo notched two goals and an assist in three games as a striker under Carrick—contributions he hasn’t matched while playing out wide.
The forward is more effective running into space than playing with his back to goal. He’s proven more dangerous up top, so moving him back there plays to his strengths.
Either change should help improve United’s shape. Now it’s just down to Carrick to make the call ahead of Villa.
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