Bryan Mbeumo Set for Manchester United Champions League Debut Against Sabah
Bryan Mbeumo is in line to make his UEFA Champions League debut when Manchester United face Azerbaijani champions Sabah at Old Trafford on Thursday night.
What we know
- The 27-year-old Cameroon forward is expected to feature in United’s opening group-stage match against Champions League newcomers Sabah.
- Mbeumo began his senior career with Troyes in France’s Ligue 2 and described reaching Europe’s biggest club competition as a major personal milestone.
- He joined Manchester United last summer and said messages from experienced members of the squad helped convince him the club could progress quickly.
- Mbeumo believes he can make an impact from any role across the front line, having played both through the middle and in wide positions during his career.
- He goes into the game after scoring in each of his last two appearances for United.
- The forward said he had previously watched Champions League draws as a fan and is now ready to test himself against unfamiliar opposition at continental level.
Next step: Sabah at Old Trafford
United will aim to open their European campaign with a win under the Old Trafford lights. Mbeumo expects a difficult examination from Sabah, with every country and opponent bringing a different challenge.
“Coming from Ligue 2 in France to such a big club here and playing in the Champions League is a massive reward,” Mbeumo said. “I knew I could have good connections with the guys here and I was really convinced that we could achieve something good.”
On his preferred position, he added: “I can perform whether I play centrally or wide, so it doesn’t really matter. As long as I can play and perform for the team, I’m happy.”
Michael Carrick’s side now have the chance to make an immediate statement in the group, with Mbeumo pushing to extend his recent scoring run on his first Champions League night.
