- Jason Wilcox signed the Manchester United star
- Top scorer this season for the Red Devils
- Going through a slight dry patch
Bryan Mbeumo joined Manchester United last summer and the club reportedly have Jason Wilcox to thank.
The Cameroonian has impressed since joining the Red Devils. Despite going through patches of dry streaks—like the one he is currently on—he has become a fan favourite at the club, and is currently joint top scorer with Benjamin Sesko on 10 goals in all competitions.
Mbeumo is still only 26 years of age—turning 27 on 7 August—and still has his prime years ahead of him.
With United looking to fire themselves back into the Champions League, Mbeumo will have his first chance to play European football next season.
Wilcox Role in Mbeumo Deal
Rob Dawson of ESPN has delved into the club’s pursuit of Mbeumo last summer. He revealed just how important Wilcox was in bringing him to Old Trafford:
“Manchester United did not want to raise their bid to £65m for Bryan Mbeumo last summer, but in the end, Jason Wilcox was able to convince Omar Berrada that it was the right move. The same approach will be adopted this time.”
Signed from Brentford for a total of £71 million—£6m in add-ons—Mbeumo has slotted seamlessly into the vacant right-wing role at Manchester United.
A versatile forward, capable of operating across a myriad of positions, the Cameroonian has registered 10 goals and three assists this season. He has also delivered in key moments.
Most notably, he opened the scoring in United’s 2-1 win over Liverpool—a strike that, for a brief period, stood as the fastest goal in the league this season—and he repeated the feat against Manchester City, where United went on to win 2-0.
Mbeumo would also net United’s opening against Arsenal, after he latched onto a sloppy pass at the back from Martin Zubimendi.
United, of course, went on to win that game 3-2. However, in recent weeks, Mbeumo has not been firing at the same level.
Mbeumo last scored against Arsenal, and although he assisted Sesko in both the West Ham and Everton matches, his overall performance has dipped. He has looked slightly sluggish on the ball, and despite featuring on the right wing and through the middle, he has struggled to rediscover his rhythm.
Mbeumo to Continue Proving Wilcox Right
With just seven games remaining for Manchester United, fans will hope Mbeumo rediscovers his form and drives United towards UEFA Champions League qualification. The Cameroonian will also aim to hold off Sesko and secure the club’s top scorer honour.
Next up, United return on Monday, 13 April, when they host Leeds United in a crucial fixture for both sides’ seasons. It’s likely that the versatile attacker will start that game.
Wilcox and his fellow directors will be tasked with overseeing this summer’s transfer window. He has come under scrutiny since becoming sporting director but his decision to insist on Mbeumo paid dividends.
