Bryan Mbeumo scores nine and backs his first United season

bryan mbeumo says his first season at Manchester United has brought nine league goals, but he still sees room to sharpen his game near the end of his first year at Old Trafford. The 26-year-old forward said there have been “some good bits” and “some bits to improve” as he reflects on a move that has already produced a strong return.

Mbeumo on Old Trafford

“I had a good start, I would say,” Mbeumo said near the end of the season. He added: “Every year in my career I have always come back better than I was before.”

That mindset has been central to a year in which he has scored at Anfield, the Emirates and against Manchester City. He formed partnerships with Matheus Cunha and Amad Diallo, while also giving Bruno Fernandes an outlet in attack.

United and Brentford

Mbeumo moved to Manchester United from Brentford after six seasons there, and he described that spell as “really, really important” for him “to grow as a player, and as a person as well.” He said: “I can only be thankful for everything to them.”

His route to Old Trafford was built on work away from the pitch too. “I added my own chef, personal trainers, everything like this to make sure my body was good,” he said, after three previous Premier League seasons without reaching double figures for goals before last term’s 20-goal campaign.

Chess With Luke Shaw

Mbeumo has found another outlet in chess, which he said brings him footballing inspiration. “I have got Luke [Shaw] into it, actually,” he said. “He is actually good.”

He said he and Shaw have “the same ranking in the game,” and that the competition is “really exciting to play against him.” For United, the early numbers are the clearest point: nine league goals, a fast start, and a forward who believes the season has been productive even with unfinished work still in front of him.

That return is why his first months in Manchester are being viewed as a success story for a club that has spent heavily on players who never settled. Mbeumo’s form has done enough to make his arrival look like a cleaner fit than many United signings before him, and his own standard is already set higher than a decent first year.