Manchester United secured a 3-1 victory over Aston Villa at Old Trafford, but concerns emerged over Bryan Mbeumo’s fitness after the forward limped off the pitch while shaking his head and exchanging words with teammate Diogo Dalot.
Mbeumo’s Worrying Substitution
Benjamin Sesko replaced the 26-year-old Mbeumo and promptly scored United’s third goal, helping maintain their strong form. Mbeumo has been substituted in each of United’s last three matches, but this exit stood out due to his apparent limp and frustrated demeanor.
Gary Neville highlighted the moment, questioning: “Is he injured? Is he limping, Mbeumo? He was shaking his head when he walked off and looked at one of the United players as if he might be carrying something.”
Match Highlights
United led 2-1 when Mbeumo departed five minutes after Matheus Cunha restored their advantage. Casemiro gave the hosts an early second-half lead, only for Ross Barkley to equalize for Villa amid controversy, as Amadou Onana avoided a VAR penalty. Sesko’s strike sealed the win, and Manuel Ugarte later substituted for Casemiro as United dominated.
Mbeumo’s Season and Recent Role
The forward has featured in every game under manager Michael Carrick, starting with his return from the Africa Cup of Nations against Manchester City. However, he has been withdrawn in all but one match. Mbeumo played the full 90 minutes at West Ham, assisting Sesko’s late equalizer. The duo linked again in a 1-0 win over Everton before Mbeumo hobbled off, replaced by Noussair Mazraoui.
Doubts arose for Crystal Palace, but he started and lasted 85 minutes until Joshua Zirkzee came on. Carrick repeated the tactic in a 2-1 loss to Newcastle.
Upcoming Challenges
United face Bournemouth on Friday after a short break, potentially without Mbeumo. This match precedes the international break, offering two weeks for recovery if he misses it. The win strengthens United’s third-place position and three-point lead over fifth, bolstering their Champions League hopes.
Despite no goals in his last five Premier League outings, Mbeumo remains a key performer this season, amplifying worries for Carrick.
