Manchester United fans were eager to see new signing Bryan Mbeumo hit the pitch during the club’s U.S. summer tour—but they’ll have to wait a little longer.
Despite sealing a high-profile £71 million move from Brentford just in time for the trip, Mbeumo is still playing catch-up with his fitness and wasn’t included in the matchday squad against West Ham in New Jersey.
Behind on Fitness but Training Hard
Mbeumo joined up with his new teammates in Chicago, where United have been splitting their training time between Soldier Field and the Chicago Fire’s Endeavour Health Performance Center.
Even though he’s fully integrated into the group, manager Ruben Amorim confirmed that the 25-year-old forward isn’t quite ready for match action.
“He’s not going to play the next one,” Amorim said after the West Ham game, referring to the upcoming clash against Bournemouth.
“But we’re hopeful he’ll be ready for the last game.”
Eyes on Atlanta for Mbeumo’s First Minutes
The third and final fixture of United’s U.S. tour will take place next Sunday in Atlanta, where they’ll face Everton at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
That match now looks like the most realistic opportunity for Mbeumo to get his first minutes in a United shirt.
For now, he continues to focus on his physical conditioning alongside the squad.
Amorim, showing his typical intensity, ran a training session immediately after the 2-1 win over West Ham before flying the team straight back to Chicago.
Fernandes Leads the Charge in New Jersey
Saturday’s game at MetLife Stadium saw captain Bruno Fernandes step up in style.
He netted both of United’s goals to help secure a 2-1 victory over West Ham. Jarrod Bowen managed to pull one back for the Hammers in the second half, but it wasn’t enough to stop Amorim’s side from starting the U.S. tour with a win.
More to Come Before Season Kickoff
After the U.S. leg wraps up in Atlanta, United will return home for one final pre-season fixture—against Fiorentina at Old Trafford on August 9.
That will be the last test before the real action begins with a huge Premier League opener against Arsenal just eight days later.
For now, all eyes remain on Mbeumo’s fitness progress and whether United’s big-money signing can make his mark before the new season kicks off in earnest.