Why Bryan Mbeumo didn't play a single minute in Man Utd win against West Ham

Bryan Mbeumo didn't feature for Manchester United against West Ham because he is behind in his preparations compared to the rest of his teammates.

The £71 million signing from Brentford completed the move a day before the squad flew out to Chicago for the club's pre-season tour in the United States. He was signed after the drab 0-0 draw against Leeds in Stockholm, Sweden.

Mbeumo has trained with his new colleagues in recent days and travelled to the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey but was a notable absence on the teamsheet. It appears he is not quite match fit, with Brentford starting their pre-season preparations a week after United.

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Amorim has already proven himself a tough manager when it comes to fitness and Mbeumo's absence follows a similar trend of decisions by the Portuguese. Noussair Mazraoui was another key player missing, with the defender absent through a 'knock'.

Fellow new recruit Matheus Cunha, who arrived after his £62.5 million release clause at Wolves was triggered, did start in what was a reasonably strong starting XI against West Ham.

Altay Bayinder started in goal amid Andre Onana's own injury problems, with Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Ayden Heaven ahead of him. Amad and Patrick Dorgu operated in the wing back roles with Mainoo and Ugarte playing central midfield. Bruno Fernandes, Rasmus Hojlund and Cunha led the line.

United ran out 2-1 winners thanks to two goals from Fernandes. Jarrod Bowen pulled one back on the hour mark as the Red Devils held out for a win.

Amorim's team will face Bournemouth on Wednesday but Mbeumo will have to wait beyond that to get his first minutes. The United boss is instead hopeful Mbeumo will play against Everton on Sunday. While his fitness may be a slight concern, there should be no worries over his mentality.

"As soon as I knew there was a chance to join Manchester United, I had to take the opportunity to sign for the club of my dreams; the team whose shirt I wore growing up," the forward declared upon signing.

"My mentality is to always be better than I was yesterday. I know that I have the spirit and character to reach another level here, learning from Ruben Amorim and playing alongside world-class players.

"Everybody told me about the environment that is being created here and how exciting the plans are for the future. This is a massive club, with an incredible stadium and amazing fans, we are all really determined to challenge for the biggest trophies."

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