Manchester United’s £65 million summer signing Bryan Mbeumo has become an instant hit under Ruben Amorim — but not just for his goals. The 26-year-old has forced a fundamental change in how the Red Devils approach their set-pieces, reshaping one of the most overlooked aspects of United’s attacking game.
Mbeumo’s impact goes beyond goals
Since arriving from Brentford, Mbeumo has made an immediate impact, scoring five goals in 10 appearances across all competitions. His two-goal performance in United’s 4-2 win over Brighton at the weekend — including a thunderous strike from the edge of the box — was a reminder of his clinical finishing.
But it’s his influence from the corner flag, not just the penalty area, that has left the biggest tactical mark on Amorim’s side.
Last season, Bruno Fernandes was United’s primary set-piece taker, with Christian Eriksen and Amad Diallo sharing occasional duties. However, the team lacked a consistent left-footed option capable of delivering inswinging corners from the right-hand side — a weapon that can drastically change attacking dynamics.
Enter Bryan Mbeumo.
United’s new corner structure
Amorim has now given Mbeumo command over corners from the right side, with Fernandes taking those from the left. The result? A more balanced, unpredictable, and dangerous United at set-pieces.
According to club analysts, United are now generating 0.49 expected goals (xG) per game from set-pieces — a sharp rise from last season. The team has already scored three goals from corners in the league, compared to just one at this stage a year ago.
The tactical adjustment has also eliminated the old, short-corner routines that often frustrated fans. United now favour more direct, whipped deliveries into dangerous areas, taking advantage of Mbeumo’s precision and Fernandes’ creative variety.
| Set-Piece Stat (2025/26) | Manchester United | Premier League Average |
|---|---|---|
| Set-piece xG per game | 0.49 | 0.32 |
| Goals from corners | 3 | 1.8 |
| Conceded xG from set-pieces | 0.53 | 0.37 |
source: Opta & Premier League Match Data – 28 October 2025
However, while the attacking benefits are clear, United’s defending from set-pieces has gone in the opposite direction. They’re currently allowing 0.53 xG against per game from dead-ball situations — the third-worst in the league.
Players like Charalampos Kostoulas, Trevoh Chalobah, and Riccardo Calafiori have all exposed weaknesses in United’s zonal structure this season, showing that Amorim’s men still have plenty to tighten up at the back.
Amorim delighted despite defensive flaws
After the win over Brighton, Amorim was visibly pleased with his side’s adaptability — particularly their ability to execute different tactical approaches throughout the match.
“[It] was really important,” Amorim told reporters. “We had to play different games in different moments, and I think the players understood really well what to do in every moment. We suffered a little bit in the end, but it would not be Manchester United without suffering a little bit. But I think we deserved the win against a very, very good team.” — Ruben Amorim, post-match interview
United’s win was their third consecutive Premier League victory, lifting them into the top six for the first time this season — a sign that Amorim’s tactical tweaks are beginning to pay off.
Our View
Bryan Mbeumo’s signing was initially viewed as a move to add pace and finishing power to United’s attack, but his impact on set-pieces has arguably been even more significant. His left-footed delivery has diversified United’s attacking play, while also freeing Fernandes to operate more centrally.
The defensive numbers remain a concern, but Amorim’s willingness to adapt tactically shows promise. If United can balance both sides of their set-piece game, Mbeumo could prove to be one of the most influential signings of the season.
Key Insights
- Mbeumo has 5 goals in 10 games since joining from Brentford.
- Now shares corner duties with Bruno Fernandes, delivering from the right-hand side.
- United’s set-piece xG has risen from 0.31 to 0.49 per game.
- Defensive set-piece xG conceded has increased to 0.53 per game.
- United are up to 6th place after a third straight Premier League win.
What’s Next
Manchester United return to action on Saturday, 1 November, with a Premier League fixture away to Nottingham Forest at City Ground. Amorim is expected to continue rotating his front line, but Mbeumo’s role as both a scorer and creator looks firmly cemented in his plans moving forward.
👉 Is Bryan Mbeumo quietly becoming Manchester United’s most complete attacker under Ruben Amorim?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 29 Oct 2025 20:04
Set pieces are become more and more important, look at Arsenal and for example Brentford. If thats another way to score, why not?
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *