Manchester United: Mbeumo will need time to adapt to Amorim’s system, claims Bassong

Sebastien Bassong believes Bryan Mbeumo would need time to adapt to Ruben Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 formation if he does join Manchester United.

Mbeumo is on the verge of moving to Old Trafford with United and Brentford working on the finer details of a £60million move.

The 25-year-old has shone for Brentford since joining the Bees from Troyes in 2019 but has done so in a predominantly wide right position.

Amorim prefers to play with wing backs and two creative midfielders playing more centrally behind a number nine.

It means Mbeumo will have to adapt but his fellow Cameroonian Bassong is confident he has the nous to do so.

Bassong told BBC World Service’s Sport Today: “His main asset is football IQ. The way he moves himself in the spaces means he can get himself out of situations, out of trouble. He’s not a stubborn player who just runs into people so that’s what makes him so unpredictable and difficult.

“He’s quick – but when I say quick, I mean the way he moves. He’s always on the move and he’s very resilient to go and hurt people. That’s what makes him a very, very dangerous player.

“For me, I see Mbeumo really on the wing because he needs space. I don’t see him being cramped in the middle of the traffic, in the middle of the park, which would be the case if he plays behind the striker.”

Patience may be required

Bassong did warn United fans it may not be an instant adaptation, however, adding: “I don’t see him fitting that system from the start but, on the other hand, he’s a very clever player and Ruben Amorim is a very forward-thinking coach. So if he’s really keen on him, he knows exactly where he wants him to fit in his system.

“I think they would have had some conversations. So if he goes there, they’re both going be able to make it work.”

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