Ian Wright “gutted” Arsenal missed out on “solid” United star thriving under Carrick

Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo is the subject of fresh Premier League debate after comments from two high-profile pundits. According to Metro, Gary Neville and Ian Wright have both suggested the Cameroon international would have been a better fit at Arsenal or Chelsea. The 26-year-old moved to Old Trafford from Brentford in a deal widely reported to be worth an initial £65m, with add-ons possible. Mbeumo’s early months in red have drawn plenty of attention, with the forward quickly becoming a key attacking outlet. With Arsenal and Chelsea both chasing major domestic goals, any suggestion about suitability at either club is likely to resonate. Season snapshot Mbeumo’s league output this season has been strong, with his goals and assists helping drive United’s results. He has scored nine Premier League goals and provided two assists in 21 appearances so far this campaign. The forward also won the EA SPORTS Player of the Month award for October 2025 after a standout run of form. Mbeumo fit debate The report framed views around squad balance and what both London clubs have lacked in attack. Neville said: “If you look at it now, Mbeumo would probably have been better for Chelsea and Arsenal than the players they got.” Neville added: “He’s a good signing for Manchester United, a really solid signing. I like him a lot.” Wright agreed, saying: “He always looks dangerous… absolutely [he would have strengthened Arsenal].” Wright then concluded: “It’s the same with Semenyo, you watch Semenyo and think, ‘I could see him at Arsenal’. I could see Mbeumo at Arsenal as well. Gutted.” For United, the focus will be on Mbeumo maintaining that output as the season heads into its run-in. Featured image Molly Darlington 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 Latest Top Stories… Okari Wambunya Okari Wambunya is a football writer at The Peoples Person, covering Manchester United with fast, accurate, and source-led news, analysis, opinions, team developments, injuries, press conferences, and matchday reactions. A former secondary school teacher, he now coaches college football (not soccer) and continues to support young people through academic mentoring and youth work. He holds a BA (Hons) in English from Brunel University London and an MA in Education from King’s College London, with experience across digital journalism and broadcast sports media. Okari first praised Michael Carrick in a blog post he wrote at 16-years-old in 2014; over a decade later, United appointing Carrick as interim head coach feels like a full-circle moment.