Bryan Mbeumo’s move to Manchester United wasn’t just about the prestige of the club. It was about the vision. The Cameroon international recently revealed that a conversation with head coach Ruben Amorim played a pivotal role in his decision to join the Red Devils. This summer transfer window has seen Mbeumo become Amorim’s second major signing after Matheus Cunha, marking a significant step in Manchester United’s squad rebuild.
The road to securing Mbeumo wasn’t easy. While Cunha’s signing was relatively straightforward, Mbeumo’s transfer involved intense negotiations. Competing against clubs like Tottenham and Newcastle, Manchester United eventually won the race. What’s more surprising? Mbeumo turned down the chance to play in the Champions League just to work under Amorim.
In a candid interview, Mbeumo shared why he chose Old Trafford. ‘I spoke to some other managers because I wanted to hear their projects, but the Manchester United one was very good for me,’ he said. ‘Manchester United is a big club. I think it’s a great opportunity, and I chose the project. I’m someone who likes a challenge.’ The forward emphasized the appeal of Amorim’s vision, which aligned perfectly with his ambitions.
The conversation with Amorim left a lasting impression. ‘It was very friendly and constructive,’ Mbeumo recalled. ‘He explained his project to me, what he wanted to do, and I really clicked on that. He said, ‘We are people who like winning, and we want to be the best team.’ Of course, that’s what we will try to do.’ This shared mentality sealed the deal for Mbeumo.
Now, the 25-year-old is gearing up for his debut with Manchester United. He arrived just in time to join the team’s preseason tour in America, using the opportunity to bond with his new teammates. Interestingly, Mbeumo has been looking for a chess partner among the squad. ‘I’ve been told that Josh [Zirkzee] plays, so I might need to play against him and bring in the chess board,’ he said with a laugh.
Chess, surprisingly, plays a big role in Mbeumo’s life. ‘Playing chess, you can see some moves ahead because it is a strategy game,’ he explained. ‘In football, you have your strategy as well, so you can link them together.’ The forward even admitted to a phase where he was deeply invested in chess, watching YouTube videos and training on apps. ‘I think even for the brain, it’s really good. You’re doing football most of the time, every day, so sometimes you don’t really have time to develop other skills. I like creativity and stuff,’ he added.
As Mbeumo waits for his debut, possibly in the friendly against Fiorentina at Old Trafford, fans are eager to see how he integrates into Amorim’s system. His decision to choose Manchester United over Champions League football speaks volumes about his belief in the project. With his strategic mindset and determination, Mbeumo could become a key player in the Red Devils’ quest for success this season.