Bryan Mbeumo is set to make his Manchester United debut against Everton in Atlanta on Saturday, as the club wraps up its three-game Premier League Summer Series campaign.
The 24-year-old winger, signed from Brentford this summer as part of a £130 million transfer outlay alongside Matheus Cunha, missed United’s earlier pre-season fixtures while working to match the fitness levels of his new teammates. His delay was due to Brentford starting pre-season training a week later than Ruben Amorim’s squad.
United head coach Ruben Amorim confirmed Mbeumo’s involvement, saying:
“He is going to play. I’m really excited to see him and what he can give to our team.”
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The significant summer spending comes despite minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe warning in March that the club could have “gone bust by Christmas” without major cost-cutting. Sources within United attribute the spending capacity to factors such as Marcus Rashford’s £325,000-a-week wages being fully covered during his loan to Barcelona, sell-on clauses activated this summer, and structured payment plans for Cunha and Mbeumo.
Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounds United’s pursuit of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko. While club insiders say negotiations are ongoing, reports from Slovenia claim the forward has chosen Newcastle United. Neither club has issued an official statement.
Even if Sesko joins, pushing United’s total summer spend close to £200 million — Amorim will still have issues to address, particularly in the goalkeeper department.
Andre Onana, who injured his hamstring on the second day of pre-season, has been working on his fitness in the United States. While he is unlikely to feature against Everton, there is hope he could return for United’s final pre-season match against Fiorentina at Old Trafford on August 9, in a game that could see former United goalkeeper David de Gea face his old club.
Amorim praised his current options, including Tom Heaton and Altay Bayindir, but admitted transfers will depend on market conditions and player sales.
