Bryan Mbeumo may thrive under the pressure of a packed stadium, but the quiet of a living room and the presence of close friends can make him hesitate – especially when there’s a piano involved. The forward, recently signed by Manchester United for £65 million, admits that performing music, even in informal settings, can make him more uneasy than playing top-flight football.
Speaking from the club’s base in Chicago during their pre-season tour, Mbeumo comes across as calm and thoughtful – a contrast to his dynamic presence on the field. The Cameroon international notched 20 goals in the Premier League last term, a key reason why United head coach Ruben Amorim identified him as a central figure in shaping his tactical approach.
Mbeumo reveals he had discussions with various clubs, but he remained confident the move to Old Trafford would come through. His belief in the individuals handling the transfer helped him stay assured throughout the drawn-out process.
While early interviews with new players often follow a standard formula, Mbeumo’s personality emerges more clearly when he talks about his love for piano and chess. He says his piano playing remains a personal outlet rather than a performance piece for others. “I’m self-taught,” he says, adding that it helps him unwind and clear his mind – distinct from his football life.
Despite his musical talent, Mbeumo is hesitant about showing off in front of teammates. A possible team initiation involving the piano is still up in the air. “We will see,” he says, unconvinced.
Strategy and learning beyond the pitch
Alongside music, Mbeumo has a growing enthusiasm for chess. He’s played enough online to earn an 800 rating on Chess.com, though he emphasizes that he’s not a top-level player. He prefers to play anonymously under a nickname, often moving his own pieces on a real chessboard while facing virtual opponents.
The former Brentford attacker sees parallels between chess and football. Both, he says, require planning and foresight. The mental demands of the game, despite its lack of physical exertion, appeal to him. Watching online tutorials and training through apps has helped him develop a stronger grasp of the game. He also took inspiration from watching the series The Queen’s Gambit, though he hasn’t yet viewed the documentary on grandmaster Magnus Carlsen.
For Mbeumo, the intellectual challenge is as rewarding as the physical one. He views chess as a creative pursuit – something that sharpens the mind and offers a refreshing contrast to his daily training routine.
Adjusting to a new challenge
Having joined Manchester United later than his new teammates, Mbeumo has spent more time in the gym than in full training. This gap in preparation explains his absence from United’s recent preseason victory over West Ham and the upcoming friendly against Bournemouth. However, there is a possibility he could feature against Everton in the final match of the Premier League Summer Series.
Mbeumo remains focused on reaching full fitness for the opening weekend of the league, when United will host Arsenal. That match will be followed by a trip to face Fulham – a ground where United’s form has wavered in recent seasons. Brentford, Mbeumo’s former club, had a strong record against United at home, including a memorable 4-0 win in 2022, a match in which Mbeumo scored and which triggered significant transfer spending from the Manchester side.
Now part of a club looking to build more sustainably, Mbeumo fits into Amorim’s system as one of two attacking midfielders alongside another high-profile signing, Matheus Cunha. The new approach is being driven by key figures such as chief executive Omar Berrada and technical director Jason Wilcox.
Though he was courted by clubs including Newcastle and Tottenham, the 25-year-old was ultimately drawn to Manchester United’s long-term plans. He was swayed by Amorim’s competitive philosophy and the club’s ambition. Mbeumo describes himself as someone who embraces difficult goals, and joining a team with no European competition this season didn’t deter him. Instead, he saw an opportunity to be part of something meaningful from the beginning.
“I like to take on challenges,” he explains. “This is a massive club, and I felt this was the right move.”
