Gary Neville believes Manchester United’s £71m signing could have been a star at Arsenal

Follow us on Google Discover

Manchester United midfielder Bryan Mbeumo is a player Gary Neville feels would have fit in well under Arteta.

In recent years, Arsenal have offered a far more appealing destination for elite talent than Manchester United.

With the team currently regarded as one of the strongest in world football and guided by Mikel Arteta, a coach widely praised for developing individuals, the Emirates has become an ideal environment for newcomers. Gary Neville believes one of United’s standout figures, Bryan Mbeumo, would have thrived had he made the move to north London instead.

Gary Neville believes Bryan Mbeumo could have thrived at Arsenal

Mbeumo made the switch to Manchester United from Brentford in a deal worth £71 million, add-ons included. (BBC)

The Cameroon international had an outstanding campaign for the Bees last season and attracted interest from several top Premier League sides.

United made a significant investment to secure his services, and it’s paid off so far – Mbeumo has already scored 10 goals in 22 matches, including one against Arsenal.

Neville likes what he’s seen but thinks Mbeumo would have reached even greater heights at Arsenal.

Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Neville said: “If you think about it with Mbeumo, to be fair, probably for Chelsea, probably for Arsenal, he’d have been better for those clubs than the one he’s ended up with.

“I think Mbeumo for Arsenal would have been a sensation!”

Why Bryan Mbeumo wouldn’t have seen much action at Arsenal

Mbeumo has often featured as a striker for Manchester United, but that opportunity likely wouldn’t have come his way at Arsenal.

With Viktor Gyokeres already filling that role and Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus also capable of playing there, the forward positions were well covered.

The right-wing spot could have been an option, but displacing Bukayo Saka was always going to be a tough ask for anyone.

Even if the role had been available, it’s hard to see Mbeumo accepting a backup position at this stage of his career.

His move to Manchester United made sense for him. He’s getting regular minutes there and making good on that decision with his performances so far this season.