Mbeumo Warned That Players Collapse At Manchester United

It’s been a difficult few weeks for Manchester United after their attempted move for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba fell through. The setback has been compounded by a poor start to the season, beginning with a defeat to Arsenal on opening day, followed by a 1-1 draw with Fulham and a shock Carabao Cup exit at the hands of League Two side Grimsby Town - a penalty shootout loss sealed by a decisive miss from new summer signing Bryan Mbeumo.

We caught up with former Cameroon international Lauren to discuss Mbeumo’s adjustment to life at Old Trafford and his thoughts on Baleba’s future.

Mbeumo Warned of Past Man Utd Player Struggles

Bryan Mbeumo arrived at Manchester United off the back of a breakout 2024/25 season with Brentford, scoring 20 goals and registering seven assists. His finishing stood out in particular - massively outperforming his expected goals (xG) tally of 13.2, ending with a +6.8 difference. United brought him in to add firepower and variety to their attack, and Lauren believes he can be a real asset.

“Mbeumo is a very good player. He impressed me a lot last season at Brentford. He's good in transitions going forward but he's also strong in possessional play because he knows how to connect well with strikers, get into positions and get shots on target. He's a very good addition.”

But while Mbeumo’s quality is clear, his early weeks at United have mirrored the club’s struggles, with no wins in their first three competitive games and that missed penalty against Grimsby still fresh. Lauren fears the wider issues at Old Trafford could derail Mbeumo just as they have other talented signings in recent years.

“But the biggest problem in my opinion for Mbeumo is not about his quality or how he's going to develop. It's where he is because at the moment, with all my respect to Man Utd, it's not the best moment or situation around that club.

“All the players who've been there, like Antony who did so well at Real Betis, they collapse. When you see so many players collapse at a place, it's not just due to the quality of the players or their condition. Maybe there's something around the institution that's causing that and it doesn't help.”

Who knows, maybe Mbeumo can get on the right track at Old Trafford sooner rather than later. With odds of 7/4 for him to score and the Red Devils to win against Burnley, it's worth using our accumulator calculator to see how much you could earn from him having a big weekend.

Best Decision For Baleba Was To Stay At Brighton

While United chased Mbeumo, they also spent much of the summer pursuing Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba. Since joining from Lille in 2023, the 21-year-old has established himself as one of the Premier League’s brightest young midfielders, combining ferocious physicality with ball-carrying ability and a wide passing range. However, Lauren believes staying at Brighton was the best call for Baleba’s long-term development.

“It's a good decision that Baleba has stayed at Brighton. One more year and he can prove himself. Sometimes you get youngsters who play well one year and then you have to see the development in the following year. If the following year, they keep performing the same way, then you know that he's the real deal.

“Sometimes you play very well in the first season and then you go down. In my opinion, the best decision for Baleba was to stay at Brighton and he did that.”

Lauren also stressed the importance of patience, reminding fans and clubs alike that Baleba is still only 21 and should be given the freedom to grow without unnecessary pressure - especially when linked to a club currently in turmoil like United.

“You don't have to rush with Baleba and his potential. With a youngster you have to let him grow. Don't put too much pressure on him. Just let him play. It's like with Max Dowman, don't put too much pressure or start making comparisons. You let the boys perform and feel free to express themselves. From there, you see what's going to happen.”

Read more as Lauren looks ahead to the huge clash between Arsenal and Liverpool this weekend