Saha: Mbeumo is the "virus killer" Manchester United needed

The Michael Carrick revolution at Old Trafford is gathering serious pace. Since stepping in following Ruben Amorim’s departure in January, the United legend has turned a side in disarray into a clinical, top-four-chasing machine. Central to this resurgence has been the return of Bryan Mbeumo from AFCON, whose impact has been nothing short of transformative.

Former United striker Louis Saha believes Mbeumo isn't just scoring goals; he’s setting a standard that is curing the "lazy" habits of the past. We sat down with Saha to talk about Mbeumo’s influence, the development of Benjamin Šeško, and who should replace the outgoing Casemiro this summer.

Mbeumo: The "Virus" killer

Bryan Mbeumo has returned from international duty with Cameroon at AFCON, and for Saha, the forward’s work rate is exactly what the club was missing during its darker periods earlier this season.

“Mbeumo has definitely had an impact and this is a player who embodies the confidence, the drive and the combativity of the team. Every player has to understand this quickly when signing for a new club. He showed that straight away but he’s also a quality player. He’s very balanced. When he makes a mistake he comes back straight away. There’s no second thought.”

“It’s an obligation for forwards to give that effort and tempo because if the forward is lazy it brings a similar feeling across the team and spreads like a virus. It’s important to have committed players up front who work hard. When you have Mbeumo, Cunha and Bruno Fernandes who show commitment it spreads and you get rewarded.”

Mbeumo will be aiming to make a big impact on Monday night when United travel to face Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. With the Red Devils currently priced at 19/20 to win the game, you can use our free bet calculator to work out how much you could stand to earn if you decide to back the visitors.

Why Šeško is being benched

While Mbeumo thrives as the focal point and has played mainly as a number nine under Carrick, summer signing Benjamin Šeško has found himself on the bench in recent weeks. Saha, who shared a dressing room with legends like Ruud van Nistelrooy, says fans shouldn't panic about the young Slovenian's lack of minutes.

“It’s important to manage a young striker. It’s hard to lead an attack for Manchester United. Normally he would have an experienced player alongside him. When I was at United I was with van Nistelrooy and Solskjaer.”

“Now players like Šeško are exposed and you need experienced players. His time will come and he will score goals. He’s done well in the few games he’s played. Yeah he’s missed some opportunities to kill a game but in the end you can see his progress and his desire. It will be interesting to see the Manchester United forwards click.”

“Šeško needs time to understand the league. The physicality of it, the tactical elements plus he has a new manager. He just needs to digest it all which is totally normal. He needs to work hard and I’m sure with time he will improve and score goals.”

Replacing Casemiro: "Monsters" like Guimarães needed in midfield

With Casemiro set to depart this summer, the hunt for a new midfield general is on. Names like Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson are high on the list, but the Frenchman believes United need "monsters" rather than just prospects to partner Kobbie Mainoo.

“I’ve always been a big fan and defender of Casemiro. He was asked to do one too many roles in the last two years but that’s been cut and now he’s settled and his role is defined. He’s proved he’s a world class player and I understand why the fans want him to stay.”

“United need aggressiveness and someone that will dictate the midfield. I see someone more like Tonali or Guimarães who are two monsters in midfield. With players like Mainoo, you need someone alongside him who has the experience and vision to manage the transition when Casemiro goes. You need that experience, directness and divisiveness. It’ll be hard to replace.”

“If you bring in a young player it's a disruption. It’s great for the future but you need experience. If Casemiro goes I think a combination of Wharton and Guimarães would be great because Guimarães is more of a captain.”

Targeting Diomande and Van de Ven

With the clear-out of wingers like Antony and Alejandro Garnacho and rumours swirling around Marcus Rashford’s future, United are being heavily linked with RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande. Saha has made it clear that he is very much in favour of the Red Devils bringing the Ivorian to Manchester.

“I like Diomande. He's one of those players who are very tricky to defend against. We need that kind of a player. We need crosses, especially if you're playing with Šeško up top. So yes, the target will be wingers like Diomande, who are very quick and can cross the ball.”

“Man Utd now are a bit more traditional and are allowed to pick players with better focus on their mentality, consistency. All those players are talented, quick and strong but I think it's more about the mentality. It's more about the desire to prove a point, and that is very important at the moment.”

Saha also urged the club to keep an eye on Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven to add further stability to a backline that has improved substantially under Carrick.

"Overall, the defense, the way we play, the kind of stability that we have managed to get in a few games, has given me confidence. I do think it's a moment where you look at the squad and feel confident that the defense and midfield are okay. Definitely in the summer, you can find Van de Ven who is a very attractive target."

The Mount and Yoro "dilemma"

Finally, Saha addressed the contrasting fortunes of Mason Mount and Leny Yoro. While Mount has struggled with injuries, Yoro has yet to see a minute of action under Carrick, leading some to question how he fits into the new regime. Saha, however, sees it differently.

“Mason Mount is definitely a player with the desire to contribute and play well for the club. He has been unlucky with injuries. Some games I felt like his confidence was so low that he was almost hiding because I couldn't see his impact. In the last few games, I can see why Amorim was a big fan. These types of players are valuable.”

As for his compatriot, Yoro, the former French international urges patience.

“The squad is very strong. Leny is very young and he will have to wait a little bit. This is the normal process at a big club. Sometimes you play, sometimes you are really good and sometimes you're on the bench and have to prove yourself again. He will grow, I'm sure of this.”

Read more as Louis Saha discusses who could be Manchester United's next Paul Scholes