Mbeumo and Amad link up ahead of Arsenal test

A developing right flank pairing between Bryan Mbeumo and Amad signals new options for Manchester United before the season opener against Arsenal.

Mbeumo and Amad Forge Promising United Link Ahead of Arsenal

Manchester United wrapped up pre season with a 1 1 draw against Fiorentina at Old Trafford and then won on penalties to lift the Snapdragon Cup. The performance was uneven, with United not controlling the game as much as hoped, and a quick reminder that pre season form does not always predict league success. Still, the bright spot was a growing understanding on the right between Bryan Mbeumo and Amad. Mbeumo started in the right sided No 10 role while Amad operated from wing back before dropping deeper at times, and the two connected well in the first half. They showed the kind of chemistry that comes from distance together on tour even if the time on the pitch was limited.

What stands out is how the pair complement each other. Both players are left footed and tend to cut inside, which helps United build chances through the central zones. Mbeumo is adapting from his Brentford role and is playing a more inverted style at Old Trafford, with occasional wide bursts depending on Amad's movement. Their link generated several overlapping and underlapping runs, creating tentative attacking openings that hint at a potent right flank for the coming season. Across the previous campaign they combined for 31 goals, underscoring the potential bite this pairing could bring to Uniteds attack. The manager has a concrete idea of how the starting XI might line up for the visit of Arsenal, with Amad likely to feature prominently and Mbeumo in the mix as a flexible option on the flank or as a right sided No 10 depending on the opponent.

The right flank pairing represents a deliberate shift toward pace and unpredictability. If this chemistry translates into consistent performances, it could give United a dependable outlet for quick attacks and high pressing. The ability of both players to drift inside creates space for full backs to overlap or for midfield runners to appear late in the box. The challenge will be balance and rotation, especially as the season starts and the fixtures pile up. The opener against Arsenal will test how quickly Amorim can knit a flexible front line with the rest of the attack and whether Mbeumo and Amad can maintain form through tougher tests. A key question is whether the two can sustain their understanding under pressure and in a more physical league environment. A positive early sign is clear enough to justify guardrails for the squad in the first weeks of the campaign rather than waiting for a fixture to reveal realities.

Highlights

The season will reveal how quickly this plan can pay off.