BRYAN MBEUMO insists Manchester United are aiming “big” in the Premier League next season.
Mbeumo, 26, scored twice in United’s 2-1 pre-season win against Atletico Madrid as they retained the Snapdragon Cup in Stockholm.
Mbeumo started up front against Atletico Credit: Getty
Mbeumo scored United’s winning goal Credit: Getty
Expectations have been raised at United ahead of the forthcoming campaign following their third-place finish last term.
Players have talked up a possible title challenge under Michael Carrick and Mbeumo is quietly confident of an even better second season at the club.
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“I wasn’t surprised,” Mbeumo said when asked about the third-place finish. “Because it’s a big club and we always aim big and we worked a lot to be there, so I wasn’t surprised.
“We always try to give the best that we can on the pitch and work really hard, so we will see and try our best.”
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Mbeumo, a winger, has scored all of his goals under Carrick whilst playing up front and added two more against Atletico from the centre forward role.
Carrick dropped Joshua Zirkzee and moved Mbeumo further forward, with rookie Shea Lacey starring in the No10 role and the returning Amad on the right wing.
Mbeumo added: “Obviously, I’m lucky to be able to play a different position and I try to give my best. It depends on the games (where I play).
“We try to get ready for the first game of the season and we work really hard on the training so it’s really important to have good results as well.
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“(Lacey’s) a young player with good abilities and is working hard, so happy to have him.”
Tottenham and Newcastle both wanted Mbeumo last year before he moved to United from Brentford in a £71million deal.
United were unhappy with Brentford during discussions and felt that they attempted to pressure Mbeumo into moving to Spurs or Newcastle.
Tottenham finished a place above the relegation zone while Newcastle came 12th and have already sold Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali, with Bruno Guimaraes also set to join Arsenal.
Mbeumo unsurprisingly has no regrets about opting for United, saying: “Obviously I’m always really challenging myself every time and will never regret having this challenge.”
