1 goal, 7 carries, 6 defensive actions: this energetic attacker was key to United’s 3-2 win over Arsenal

Manchester United enjoyed an emphatic 3-2 win over Arsenal following a scintillating performance on Sunday afternoon. Thanks to this impressive victory, Manchester United managed to finish the weekend in the top four of the Premier League for the first time since May 2023. While it was an excellent team effort all around, some individual brilliance also helped to push United over the line, particularly from Bryan Mbeumo. Moment of magic While not typically viewed as a striker, Mbeumo was Michael Carrick’s choice up front, with Benjamin Sesko starting the match on the bench. Although an unorthodox choice, Mbeumo clearly impressed in this position during the win over Manchester City last weekend, which convinced Carrick to keep him there. Needless to say, he did not disappoint. The Cameroonian showed great pace and awareness to intercept the ball from Arsenal in their final third. Starting with the ball at his left foot, Mbeumo waited for the goalkeeper to come out before shifting the ball to his right foot and slotting it home to hand United the lead. Although this was his brightest moment on the pitch, the United forward continued to impress throughout the encounter. Mbeumo’s impact PlayerBryan Mbeumo Goals1 Expected goals (xG)0.21 Assists0 Expected assists (xA)0.01 Total shots2 Expected goals on target (xGOT)0.18 Shots on target1 Shots blocked0 Touches22 Unsuccessful touches1 Dribbles (successful)0 (0) Possession lost7 Total carrying distance73.9 m Carries7 Progressive carries1 Total progression19.5 m Progressive carrying distance30.8 m Longest progressive carry30.6 m Key passes2 Crosses (accurate)0 (0) Accurate passes7/12 (58%) Passes in opposition half (acc.)3/7 (43%) Passes in own half (acc.)4/5 (80%) Tackles (won)1 (0) Interceptions0 Clearances2 Blocked shots1 Recoveries2 Ground duels (won)4 (1) Aerial duels (won)4 (0) Dribbled past2 Mbeumo took just two shots on the day, with one on target. Of course, this shot put United in front. He took 22 touches, only one of which was unsuccessful, while making seven successful carries. Unfortunately, his passing was messy, with just seven of 12 passes proving accurate (52%). Still, he did well to support his defenders when they were in need. With six defensive contributions, Mbeumo made one tackle (which was unsuccessful), two clearances, and two recoveries, along with one blocked shot. Although the numbers do not make for the most pleasant reading, Mbeumo proved to be an asset up front, making the most of his limited time on the ball. Yet again, it was a convincing performance from the Cameroonian, who appears to be emerging as a pivotal member of United’s success. (Stats via Sofascore) Featured image Alex Pantling via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Mathew Cohen A faithful Manchester United supporter, Mathew has worked as a football writer and analyst for SB Nation, FanSided, and now The Peoples Person. Mathew’s heroes include David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Sir Alex Ferguson, all of whom played their part in creating some special childhood memories.