Bryan Mbeumo's impact at Manchester United has been described as spreading "like a virus" throughout the squad, according to former Red Devils striker Louis Saha. This assessment comes as current United forward Matheus Cunha also lavished praise on his teammate, highlighting the Cameroonian's intelligence and crucial contributions.
Mbeumo's Immediate Influence at Old Trafford
Manchester United secured Mbeumo's services last summer in a transfer deal worth up to £65 million from Brentford, with potential add-ons reaching an additional £6 million. Since arriving at Old Trafford, the forward has made an immediate impact, scoring 10 goals across all competitions, including nine in the Premier League.
His performances have been instrumental in United's climb to fourth place in the Premier League standings, with Champions League qualification now a realistic target for the remainder of the campaign. Under interim head coach Michael Carrick, Mbeumo has delivered vital goals in key victories against rivals Manchester City, Arsenal, and Tottenham Hotspur.
Saha's Viral Analogy of Mbeumo's Commitment
Louis Saha, who made over 120 appearances for Manchester United between 2004 and 2008, provided detailed analysis of Mbeumo's influence. "Mbeumo has definitely had an impact, and this is a player who embodies the confidence, the drive, and the combativity of the team," Saha told AceOdds.
"Every player has to understand this quickly when signing for a new club. He showed that straight away, but he's also a quality player. He's very balanced. When he makes a mistake, he comes back straight away. There's no second thought."
Saha emphasized how forward players set the tone for the entire team: "It's an obligation for forwards to give that effort and tempo because if the forward is lazy, it brings a similar feeling across the team and spreads like a virus. It's important to have committed players up front who work hard."
The French striker pointed to the collective effect: "When you have Mbeumo, Cunha, and Bruno Fernandes, who show commitment, it spreads, and you get rewarded."
Cunha's Glowing Assessment of His Teammate
Saha's observations align with recent praise from Mbeumo's United teammate Matheus Cunha, who spoke to Premier League Productions earlier this month. "He's very intelligent, he's very clever," Cunha said of the Cameroonian international.
"So he can use his strength very, very good, like going to space, he shoots so well, so good. This is the kind of number nine we need to have. Of course, he's someone that helped us so much and it's a pleasure to play with him."
Cunha highlighted Mbeumo's versatility beyond his positional duties: "He's more than the position that he plays. Being around him in the pitch, we know he can create something special."
The Broader Impact on United's Season
Mbeumo's arrival represents one of United's most successful recent signings, with his £65 million transfer fee appearing increasingly justified as the season progresses. His ability to adapt quickly to the demands of playing for one of football's biggest clubs has impressed both former players and current teammates.
The forward's work ethic and consistent performances have created a positive ripple effect throughout the squad, particularly among United's attacking players. This collective commitment has been crucial during the transitional period under interim manager Michael Carrick.
With United positioned fourth in the Premier League and Champions League qualification within reach, Mbeumo's contributions could prove decisive in the final months of the campaign. His partnership with players like Cunha and Bruno Fernandes continues to develop, offering United fans optimism for both immediate results and long-term success.
