Perfect timing: £71m Man Utd star now set to return vs Man City
Manchester United have received a major boost with one of their star players ready to return.
Bryan Mbeumo is poised to be back in action for the Red Devils when they host Manchester City in a high-stakes Premier League derby next weekend.
The forward has been absent due to international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), alongside Noussair Mazraoui and Amad Diallo.
The former Brentford star is now expected to return to Old Trafford after Cameroon was knocked out of the AFCON by Morocco on Friday evening.
United face Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup tomorrow but the game is considered to be too soon for Mbeumo.
Interim head coach Darren Fletcher has already confirmed that the winger will not be involved in the cup tie.
His availability for the Manchester derby represents a significant psychological lift for a United squad short on confidence.
Signed from Brentford for £71 million last summer, Mbeumo has brought pace and directness to the final third.
He has seven goals and one assist to his name in 17 appearances for United.
In his absence, United have often looked blunt and predictable down the right flank.
Mbeumo’s understanding with Amad Diallo had given United balance and threat on that side, but both players have been missing in recent outings.
When City arrive at Old Trafford, United are expected to be led by a caretaker manager on the touchline.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is currently the frontrunner for the role, though Michael Carrick remains firmly in contention.
A potential switch back to a traditional back four could see Mbeumo deployed as an out-and-out right winger.
Stats from Fotmob.com
Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .