'Bigger goal threat... but Mbeumo cannot be the end of squad reshaping'
- Published
Ruben Amorim spoke often enough last season about Manchester United's failure to make the most of their opportunities.
They need to score much more than the paltry 44 league goals they managed in 2024-25.
Bryan Mbeumo's arrival should help address that shortfall but, as with Matheus Cunha, the Cameroon forward will offer more than that.
He has the power and strength to carry the ball forward. Too many of United's attacking players are the nippy variety, who find it easier to operate in small spaces.
The theory is Mbeumo, allied with Cunha and a strong number nine who can play with his back to goal and hold the ball up effectively, can force the opposition back, creating greater depth to the game, more space for United to play in and greater opportunities.
United are trying to mitigate their recruitment plan going wrong previously by bringing in players who are used to the Premier League and do not require settling-in time, which, after how last season ended, is in short supply.
Mbeumo cannot be the end of the reshaping of Amorim's squad - and the former Sporting boss said at the end of last season that it might take a few transfer windows to get what he wants.
But it does appear United will be a bigger goal threat next term. And from that, significant improvement should come.