Bryan Mbeumo's highly anticipated debut for Manchester United has been temporarily put on hold, with manager Ruben Amorim providing an update on the player's fitness and integration into the squad. Mbeumo's arrival at Old Trafford was officially announced on July 21st, with the Cameroon international signing a contract until June 2030, with an option for an additional year.

The deal, worth up to £71 million, saw United pay Brentford an initial £65 million, with a further £6 million in potential add-ons. Mbeumo's impressive record of 20 Premier League goals last season, coupled with eight assists, made him a key target for Amorim. Jason Wilcox, Manchester United's Director of Football, highlighted Mbeumo's "exceptional" goal and assist record, emphasizing his consistency and determination to join the club as a perfect fit for the developing culture at Manchester United.

Mbeumo himself expressed his excitement upon joining the Red Devils, stating that he had to seize the opportunity to play for the club he supported as a child. He also conveyed his eagerness to learn from Ruben Amorim and play alongside world-class players, adding that everyone has told him how exciting the plans are for the future at the club.

Despite joining the team in time for their pre-season tour in the United States, Mbeumo was absent from the squad that faced West Ham. Amorim clarified that Mbeumo's late arrival from Brentford and a slightly delayed start to pre-season meant he wasn't yet match-fit. As a result, the manager is taking a cautious approach to ensure the player is fully prepared for the demands of the upcoming season.

"Bryan is starting slowly," Amorim stated, confirming that Mbeumo would also miss the friendly against Bournemouth. However, he offered a glimmer of hope to fans eager to see the new signing in action, suggesting that Mbeumo could potentially make his debut in the final pre-season game against Everton on August 3rd. "We hope to have Bryan in the last game [in the United States]. He's training now, so we’ll see," Amorim added.

Amorim also defended Mbeumo's decision to join Manchester United, dismissing claims that financial incentives were the primary motivation. He asserted that Mbeumo had other offers, including those from Champions League clubs, but chose to come to United because he wanted to be part of the project at Old Trafford. "People who say that they come here because of the money… that is a lie. That I know for sure," Amorim declared.

With Mbeumo's debut slightly delayed, Amorim has signaled his intent to place goal-scoring responsibility on Mbeumo and fellow new signing Matheus Cunha. He believes that both players are capable of stepping up and contributing significantly to the team's attacking output, even hinting that he may not pursue another elite striker in the current transfer window.