BREAKING: Playing less than 45 minutes, Mbeumo still managed to leave his mark on his Man United debut

Bryan Mbeumo’s highly anticipated debut in Manchester United colors may have lasted less than 45 minutes, but the forward certainly made an impact — and not just for reasons related to football. Brought on in the second half of United’s pre-season friendly against Everton, the former Brentford star gave fans a taste of what he can bring to Old Trafford: creativity, guile, and a spark in the final third.

The Cameroon international was active from the moment he stepped onto the pitch, darting into spaces, combining well with teammates, and showing flashes of the explosive flair that made him a standout in West London. While the scoreline didn’t reflect his contribution, Mbeumo’s presence visibly unsettled Everton’s defensive line, and his energy breathed life into what had been a relatively pedestrian United attack up to that point.

However, despite the clear technical upside Mbeumo offered, social media was abuzz with commentary of a different kind. Many fans quickly latched onto something unexpected — the forward’s noticeably bulkier physique. Within minutes, images of Mbeumo began circulating online, with fans joking that he looked like he had “borrowed a defender’s kit” or was “auditioning for a Game of Thrones battle scene.”

One particularly viral meme read, “Mbeumo looks like he’s carrying a hidden shield under his shirt. Ready for war.” Others, more lighthearted, nicknamed him “Big Bry” and “The Armored One,” drawing comparisons to rugby players rather than professional footballers. These jests quickly took over the conversation, temporarily eclipsing the player’s on-pitch exploits.

But behind the humor, some observers expressed concern. With the Premier League season around the corner and competition for attacking roles fierce, questions were raised about Mbeumo’s match fitness and whether his current conditioning would hinder his effectiveness on the pitch. After all, playing at the highest level demands peak physical shape — and fans are well aware of how brutal the English football calendar can be.

A club source who spoke anonymously shared a balanced view, saying, “Bryan’s ability on the ball is clear — no one doubts that. But whether he’s at 100% fitness right now is something only the coaching staff truly knows. It’s pre-season, yes, but every minute counts when you’re trying to win over a new fanbase and secure a spot in the starting eleven.”

Manager Erik ten Hag, however, appeared unfazed when asked about Mbeumo’s performance and physical state during the post-match press conference. “Bryan is a strong player, both mentally and physically,” Ten Hag remarked. “Pre-season is not about final judgment. It’s about integration, understanding, and rhythm. He’s already shown us glimpses of the quality we brought him in for.”

Indeed, it’s easy to forget amid the social media frenzy that Manchester United invested significantly in Mbeumo’s signing to bolster their forward options. With his ability to operate both centrally and on the wing, the 25-year-old brings flexibility and directness that Ten Hag values highly in attacking transitions. His tactical intelligence and pressing ability, honed at Brentford under Thomas Frank, also make him a valuable asset for a United side still searching for attacking cohesion.

As the club gears up for its final pre-season fixtures, all eyes will be on Mbeumo — not just for his waistline, but for whether he can deliver decisive moments when it truly matters. The memes may fade, but the scrutiny will only intensify. For Mbeumo, the mission is clear: prove that he’s more than a social media talking point and solidify his place in one of the world’s biggest clubs.

In the end, Manchester United fans are hoping this debut is just the start of a memorable journey. If Mbeumo can silence the doubters and trim down before the season opener, the jokes will soon be forgotten — replaced, hopefully, with goals, assists, and a new hero in red.

Until then, supporters will be watching closely. Because while Bryan Mbeumo may have drawn laughs this week, it’s what he does next that will determine whether those laughs turn into roars of approval from the Stretford End.