Recently, Arsenal legend Theo Walcott discussed Manchester United's performance this season and expressed his hope to see the club challenge for the title.
Theo Walcott recently stated that Mbeumo represents an "incredible signing" for Manchester United, adding that Arsenal "should have signed him years ago".
Manchester United prioritised strengthening their attack ahead of Amolin's first full season in charge, having recorded their worst-ever Premier League points tally last term with a woeful offensive display. The Red Devils first triggered the £62.5 million release clause for Wolves forward Cunha before turning their attention to Brentford's Mbeumo – the Cameroonian international had contributed 20 goals and seven assists in the Premier League last season.
Despite competition from Tottenham Hotspur, Mbeumo joined Old Trafford for £71 million, followed by arrivals including Sesko, Lammens and Diego Leão. However, the new-look United side struggled mightily early on, winning just two of their opening six matches across all competitions.
Recently, the tide has turned—under Amolin, the side secured their first three consecutive victories, with Mbeumo netting twice against Brighton. Walcott commented on the programme It’s Called Soccer:
“The team is now truly grasping Amolin’s system. In a three-centre-back formation, one defender must push forward to become the third midfielder in midfield.”
In his view, Luke Shaw is the ideal candidate for this role:
"Shaw excels in this regard; you trust him to both push forward and drop back to cover in time."
They need to do this, especially if Bruno [Fernandes] and Cunha are to coexist in the same team, because I wasn't previously convinced they could truly function within the same system. It felt like two players both wanting to occupy the same areas.
"However, when you have players who can push forward with confidence, and teammates behind them who are reliable, it ceases to be an issue, and the system can operate effectively."
According to Walcott, Manchester United stand to gain immensely from Cunha and Mbeumo, neither of whom require time to adapt to the pace of the Premier League.
"You see Cunha dropping back defensively, and Mbeumo is simply outstanding in my view," Walcott added.
"Many players arriving from outside the Premier League need time to adjust once they join. But these players (like Mbeumo) are tailor-made for the Premier League."
"I reckon Mbeumo is absolutely brilliant, and he's the sort of player Arsenal should have signed years ago."
Despite his Arsenal past and lingering affection for the Gunners, Walcott believes the Premier League would be more compelling if United were challenging at the top.
" This Manchester United side are brimming with confidence now. I was completely wrong in my previous assessment, expecting another typical United performance against Brighton," he continued.
"But they're now clicking into gear, and the worrying part is they still have several key players missing."
"We all want to see United back in the title race. Honestly, it's better for the league, better for everyone, and they're genuinely a pleasure to watch at the moment."
Mbeumo was named Player of the Week for Matchweek 9, marking the second consecutive week a United player has received the honour, following teammate Harry Maguire's selection for Matchweek 8.
Mbeumo delivered an outstanding performance in United's 4-2 victory over Brighton, netting his third and fourth goals of the season to become the club's top Premier League scorer this campaign.
His brace helped United secure their third consecutive league victory, marking the first time the club has achieved three straight wins in a single season since February 2024.
Mbeumo was named Player of the Week for Matchweek 9, marking the second consecutive week a United player has received the accolade, following teammate Harry Maguire's selection as Player of the Week for Matchweek 8.
Mbeumo delivered an outstanding performance in United's 4-2 victory over Brighton, netting his third and fourth goals of the campaign to become the club's top Premier League scorer this season.
His brace propelled United to a third consecutive league win, marking the first time the club has achieved three successive victories in a single season since February 2024.