Homegrown Mbeumo: 18-year-old Man Utd star is an “ideal Amorim wing-back”
da aviator aposta： There are ups and there are downs at Manchester United, but the quality of the club’s youth system remains immutable. The Red Devils’ production line runs right through to the first-team squad at Old Trafford.
da cassino online： Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay and Kobbie Mainoo are recent testaments to that, but there are many more dotted across Europe who once cut their teeth at Carrington.
However, Man United have struggled in recent years to partner a smooth-running transfer strategy alongside the effectiveness of the academy promotions. Therein lies the problem. However, INEOS and Ruben Amorim sought to change that this summer.
Man United's summer transfer window
Manchester United had to get it right in the summer transfer window, and while the jury’s still out in many respects, there are plenty of promising signs.
Namely, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo look to have revitalised the attacking flanks at the Theatre of Dreams. Much of the flotsam has been washed away, and INEOS decided to reinforce Amorim’s frontline with Prem-proven options, both of whom starred last season.
Prem 24/25 – Matheus Cunha & Bryan Mbeumo
Stats (* per game)
Cunha
Mbeumo
Matches (starts)
33 (29)
38 (38)
Goals
15
20
Assists
6
7
Shots (on target)*
3.3 (1.3)
2.2 (1.1)
Big chances missed
2
9
Pass completion
79%
74%
Big chances created
13
17
Key passes*
1.8
1.8
Dribbles*
1.8
1.4
Ball recoveries*
3.8
4.1
Tackles + interceptions*
1.7
1.7
Duels won*
5.5
4.7
Data via Sofascore
Cunha’s start to life in Manchester has been disrupted by injury, but he’s one of the most talented forwards out there and will play a big part in the club’s fight for success this season and beyond.
The 26-year-old Mbeumo, however, has started his Red Devils career very brightly, scoring two goals across six matches and playing with a gusto and potency that has been lacking all too often over the past couple of years.
United need to continue to go from strength to strength in the transfer market, marrying their inherent youth success with well-placed signings.
One area they won’t need to invest in, however, is the right flank. Mbeumo’s already there, with Amad Diallo in the mix too. And, on top of that, Bendito Mantata is waiting in the wings.
Meet Bendito Mantata
Mantata might only be 17, but he is already rising the crest of a wave within the younger Old Trafford ranks. Yet to make his senior bow, the teenager has played 34 times for the club’s various development levels, scoring 17 goals and supplying seven assists.
Just like Mbeumo, Mantata has a natural eye for goal, averaging a goal contribution every 94 minutes last term. The England U18 international is also full of flair, a fast runner and a creative and resourceful player. Statistician Statman Dave remarked that he has the tools to become the “ideal Ruben Amorim wing-back”.
With an aptitude both as an advanced wide option and in a wing-back berth, it’s not hard to see why Amorim’s interest has been piqued, with Mantata and unused substitute for each of Man United’s fixtures against Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League last season.
Back in March, Mantata penned his first professional contract with Manchester United, running until 2029. Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano remarked that Amorim “really trusts the player”, who is showing clinical potential and an ability to link up smoothly with his teammates.
He’s yet to be blooded on the senior stage, but indeed enjoyed a matchday role on two occasions last year, and it’s not out of the question that Mantata will start to earn opportunities as the season progresses, especially if United draw a favourable opponent in the FA Cup.
Mbeumo’s place is hardly under threat, but Mantata could emerge as an exciting understudy, a prospect who one day could replace the Cameroonian as the club’s starting option.