Here’s how one Man United player spoiled Bryan Mbeumo’s return to Brentford
Bryan Mbeumo’s return to Brentford after joining Man United in the summer did not go to plan thanks to one of his teammates.
The Cameroon international was in stunning form last season, scoring 20 times in the Premier League, whilst also providing seven assists.
As a consequence, Man United shelled out on Mbeumo this summer, spending £71m to bring the 26-year-old to Old Trafford.
But despite scoring for fun as a Bee last season, the winger’s return to the place he used to call home did not go as planned.
Bryan Mbeumo adds chaos for Man United opener
Brentford fans showed their support for the winger on his return to West London, applauding the announcement of his name, and then again in the first half when he went to take a corner for United.
Keith Andrews had been tipped to struggle in charge of the Bees this season, but his side grabbed the game by the scruff of its neck, taking a 2-0 lead within 20 minutes.
Despite the home side dominating the opening proceedings, Mbeumo proved to be a thorn in their side, creating two chances in the first half.
And the winger put himself in an awkward position that forced Brentford’s summer signing Caoimhin Kelleher to punch the ball away rather than catch it in the chaos that eventually led to Benjamin Sesko scoring in the 26th minute.
Standing beneath a goalkeeper isn’t exactly what you’re looking for when you spend £71m on a player, but his impact gave United a way back into the match.
Bruno Fernandes spoils Bryan Mbeumo’s homecoming
In the 71st minute, Mbeumo burst into the box and pulled a shot wide. But after a VAR review, a penalty was awarded to United.
The Cameroon international appeared to be set to register his second “assist” of the match, even though neither would appear on the official stat lines.
That was until Bruno Fernandes tamely hit his effort to Kelleher’s left, giving the Irishman ample time to get down and save the effort.
That was the Portugal international’s second missed penalty of the season after the 30-year-old blazed over the bar in United’s 1-1 draw with Fulham on 24 August.
Mbeumo himself is an expert from the spot, scoring seven times from 12 yards out last season, although he did fail to score in the Red Devils’ penalty shootout loss to Grimsby.
But with Fernandes spoiling the winger’s return to the GTech, the 26-year-old will now surely be the de facto penalty kick taker.
United would have levelled the scores had the goal been scored and been in pole position to go on and earn all three points, but following that miss, Brentford scored a third, ultimately claiming a 3-1 win.