Mbeumo's Arrival: Manchester United's Dream Trident Almost Formed

MANCHESTER, TUESDAY — The arrival of the national team winger from Cameroon, Bryan Mbeumo, has brightened the prospects of Manchester United's forward line. Coach Ruben Amorim is now in search of a spearhead to complete the dream trident of the "Red Devils."

After a protracted month of negotiations, MU officially signed Mbeumo from Brentford for a transfer fee of 71 million pounds (Rp 1.55 trillion) on Tuesday (22/7/2025) WIB. This seventh most expensive purchase in MU's history has signed a five-year contract, lasting until June 2030.

Mbeumo from the beginning only wanted to join MU, rejecting many offers from other clubs. "As soon as there was an opportunity, I knew I had to seize the chance to join my dream club. The team whose jersey I wore while growing up," he said, choosing the number 19.

The 25-year-old forward brings increased confidence to MU ahead of the new season. He arrives with the status of the fourth most productive player in the English League for the 2024-25 season, having scored 20 goals. Only three players surpassed his record: Erling Haaland, Alexander Isak, and Mohamed Salah.

Mbeumo is not a figure who suddenly appeared and immediately shone. His progress has been gradual from year to year. He first arrived in England while representing Brentford in 2019. Mbeumo helped Brentford rise to the top tier and then managed to avoid relegation for four consecutive seasons.

In his first season in the English League, 2021-22, Mbeumo recorded 4 goals and 7 assists. This tally increased in the following two seasons, with 9 goals and 8 assists (2022-23) and 9 goals and 7 assists (2023-24). He was able to maintain his contributions in 2023-24 despite appearing 13 times less than the previous season.

Last season, Mbeumo contributed to 28 league goals for Brentford, including assists. "My mentality is to always be better than yesterday. I have the spirit and character to reach a higher level here, learning from Amorim and playing with world-class players," he said.

Mbeumo has become the second major signing for MU in this transfer window. Previously, Brazilian national team winger Matheus Cunha had already joined from Wolverhampton Wanderers. Both players are the "Red Devils'" response to address the goal production problem.

Last season, Mbeumo and Cunha combined for a total of 35 goals in the league. This number is nearly equal to the total goals scored by the MU squad throughout the season, which was 44 goals. Furthermore, MU is recorded as the fifth least productive team in the league. This issue contributed to their downfall, resulting in a finish in 15th place.

Mbeumo and Cunha are expected to improve United's efficiency in front of goal. According to Sky Sports, United recorded the second-largest deficit between goals and xG (expected goals) in the league last season at -9.46. With the chances they've had, they should ideally have scored at least 53 goals.

The new duo of MU is the best at converting opportunities. Mbeumo (+7.74) ranks first and Cunha (+6.37) ranks third, both listed among the top three players with the best goal difference surplus relative to expected goals (xG). They have scored 14 goals more than anticipated.

Through the presence of these two players, the dream trident of MU in the 3-4-2-1 formation reminiscent of Amorim is nearly formed. They will occupy positions behind the striker, with Mbeumo on the right and Cunha on the left. MU just needs to find a central striker to replace the role of Rasmus Hojlund.

Several striker names have been linked with MU over the past few weeks, ranging from Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea), to Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig). Recently, the rumors have intensified regarding Jackson, who seems to no longer be needed by Chelsea.

Amorim employed a three-defender formation, predominantly 3-4-2-1, during his time at Sporting CP (2020-2024). In the best era of his coaching career, he relied on striker Viktor Gyokeres. The forward was granted the freedom to position himself in the front line to initiate moments of counter-attack transition.

Speaking of transition skills, Jackson stands out as the most prominent name compared to other candidates. He possesses above-average running speed and dribbling ability for a "number 9" forward. Jackson can also operate more on the left side, similar to the characteristics of Gyokeres.

The problem is, Jackson isn't very efficient in his finishing. With 24 goals in 65 Premier League appearances, he often misses golden opportunities. Further complicating matters, according to Sky Sports, Jackson is valued at between £80 and £100 million.

The final piece, the figure of the striker, in the trident formation of MU is worth anticipating. This potential new spearhead could determine the future of the team alongside Amorim. As the coach stated, this summer will be crucial for rebuilding the "Red Devils" squad.

"We must take advantage (of this window). There will be no preseason preparations next season (due to the World Cup). Therefore, we must prepare everything from this preseason. We need to demonstrate our seriousness to improve for the next season," concluded Amorim (AP/AFP).