Bitter power struggle opens door for United star to bag unexpected major honour – report

Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo has received a major honour with Cameroon, even as the national team continues to be plagued by a bitter internal feud ahead of their participation in the Africa Cup of Nations. Cameroon chaos A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United goalkeeper Andre Onana, now on loan at Turkish club Trabzonspor, had received a shock call to play for Cameroon at AFCON. Onana was left out of the squad that was named by David Pagou, who was appointed interim head coach by Fecafoot (Cameroon’s football federation) president Samuel Eto’o. However, just two days out from the full squad submission deadline, Onana was included in Cameroon’s AFCON squad – but the one submitted by former head coach Marc Brys, who has refused to step down from the position despite being dismissed by Eto’o. Brys, backed by the Sports Ministry, maintains that he was never formally informed about his sacking and will therefore proceed with his preparations for AFCON. Mbeumo features in both Pagou’s and Brys’ squad lists. As the power struggle continues, L’Equipe 237 claims that Mbeumo is poised to captain the Indomitable Lions during AFCON. Mbeumo boost According to L’Equipe 237 [via SportWitness], the feud jeopardising Onana and Vincent Aboubakar’s tournament places has opened the door for Mbeumo to wear the armband for Cameroon. It’s a big honour for the 26-year-old, who has certainly embraced the pressure of playing for United since joining the club from Brentford during the summer transfer window. Mbeumo has been the Red Devils’ undisputed talisman. His strike against Wolves earlier this week took his Premier League tally to six goals. He also found the back of the net in the humiliating EFL Cup loss at the hands of Grimsby Town. Many big-money signings before him have withered under the crushing weight of expectations at Old Trafford but he appears to thrive – a trait that will help him as Cameroon captain, especially during a trying period. Mbeumo and United are next in action on Monday when they host Bournemouth. Feature image Julian Finney 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 Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!