Shock reason behind Mbeumo’s dip in form explained by Brentford coaches – report

Bryan Mbeumo is enduring a dip in form at Manchester United. Unlike fellow summer 2025 arrivals Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha, Mbeumo required no bedding-in period. He hit the ground running at Old Trafford, carrying over the prolific form he showed at Brentford last season, where he netted 20 goals in 38 appearances. The Cameroonian quickly became a decisive figure, scoring crucial goals in the first half of the campaign. His influence was so pronounced that United supporters worried how the team would cope without him during AFCON between December and January 2026. Back with a bang Although United managed in his absence, Mbeumo returned in style. He scored in the Manchester derby, helping secure a 2-0 win over City, and followed up with another goal in the thrilling 3-2 victory against league leaders Arsenal. Fulham resisted his impact despite United’s 3-2 triumph, but he was back on the scoresheet in the 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur. Since that Tottenham fixture where he scored his ninth goal of the season, however, Mbeumo has struggled to find the net. Four games have passed without a goal, an unusual drought by his standards. While he has contributed two assists in that period, his missed chances and subdued displays have raised concern. Why Mbeumo’s form has dipped The winger is clearly not operating at the same level as earlier in the season. United fans have been left puzzled, but a revealing explanation has emerged. As per the Sun: “The word from Mbeumo’s old club Brentford is he could find it a challenge to play two or three games per week.” Those claims are tied to the fact that the 26-year-old did not have a proper pre-season. As the report goes on to explain: “Mbeumo joined United in time to travel on their pre-season tour of the United States, but he only played 45 minutes in their third and final friendly against Everton in Atlanta. “United used the majority of their training time in Chicago to up Mbeumo’s fitness levels as Brentford returned for pre-season a week after United did. “Mbeumo did not train on the grass in his week back with Brentford as he did not want to risk an injury that could have jeopardised his £71million switch to Old Trafford.” Looking at United’s fixture schedule up until the 2-1 loss to Newcastle, only three days separated the clash with Crystal Palace and the trip to St James’ Park. The theory of Mbeumo struggling to play twice a week holds water and probably explains why he was horrendous against the Magpies. Perfect chance to bounce back That said, the 11-day gap between the Newcastle defeat and Sunday’s meeting with Aston Villa offers Mbeumo the perfect opportunity to recharge. Caretaker boss Michael Carrick could turn to Amad Diallo on the left wing, but he is expected to stick with Mbeumo. If selected, United will hope to see the ruthless forward who punishes opponents at the slightest sight of goal. Featured image by Michael Regan/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 Daniel Onguko Dan is a writer with The Peoples Person, an avid Manchester United fan whose passion for the Red Devils evolved into writing about them. He was introduced to United back in 2008, and his love for the club has continued to grow ever since. Like every other United fan, he believes the club will soon return to its rightful place and strives to reflect that belief in his writing. While he has also written about other Premier League sides, including Arsenal for Just Arsenal and The Arsenal Analysis Blogspot, Dan lives and breathes Manchester United.